Vusi Mahlasela

An accomplished guitarist, percussionist, composer, arranger, band leader and performer, Vusi enjoys an ever-growing following that spans worldwide. Among his most ardent supporters is Dave Matthews, who is a native of South Africa and has long aimed to make Vusi’s music known in the U.S. In fact, when Matthews founded ATO Records several years ago, one of his foremost goals was to sign Vusi to the label. In 2000, he invited Vusi to contribute guest vocals on the title track of the Dave Matthews Band’s multi-platinum album Everyday. In 2002, ATO was approached by the producers of Amandla! and enthusiastically secured rights to release the soundtrack. Matthews further realized his goal earlier this year, signing Vusi to ATO. And so Mahlasela makes his ATO Records debut with The Voice, a definitive collection handpicked by Vusi which spans his recordings over the last eleven years. It is in stores now and earning vast critical acclaim.