Dec 23rd, 2009 3:38 PM UTC
By Vusi Mahlasela
|
ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Vusi Mahlasela:
I met and heard Lebo Mashile recite her poems at the launch of AIMS.
She had an amazing ability to captivate her audience with her true words and her impassioned delivery of her poems. She’s a gifted leader and a strong voice to help bring about change in our world by remaining grounded in the principals of compassion, forgiveness, heart, and wisdom.
I was inspired by her to keep writing my own poetry and songs. Check out her latest collection Flying Above The Sky.
Happy New Year to you all,
Vusi
|
Dec 2nd, 2009 2:35 PM UTC
By Vusi Mahlasela
|
ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Vusi Mahlasela:
I recently found myself jamming in a cozy living room in North London with the amazing and pioneering Vieux Farka Toure, son of the late legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure. Although many of you have probably heard the famed record that Ali made with Ry Cooder, Talking Timbuktu, I hadn’t heard that beautiful recording til that night. After a big meal together with some new friends who Vieux kindly introduced me to, we sat around their living room and popped on the Talking Timbuktu album and passed the guitar around with the CD spinning in the background as our guide and our soundtrack.
Vieux showed me some techniques he had learned from his father and we ended up jamming for several hours. Vieux speaks French and my French is very limited (to about three words). That night, however, we were able to communicate through music. Thanks to Ali Farka Toure for creating such a unique sound; thanks to Mali for producing such amazing musicians; and thanks to Vieux for passing along the tradition, making his own inspired new sound, and for teaching me to talk the blues.
|
Nov 6th, 2009 5:59 PM UTC
By Vusi Mahlasela
|
ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Vusi Mahlasela:
Two years ago, I met an inspired young South African named Fred Swaniker at the TED conference who told me about a school he was launching in an effort to transform Africa by developing and supporting future generations of African leaders. I instantly wanted to help out.
As I’m constantly discovering how small the world is (and getting smaller), it turns out that a good friend of mine happened to be on the board of Fred’s school— The African Leadership Academy.
The school invited me to perform at their school opening in September 2008 and again this past September for their second year.
I am amazed by how motivated, creative, positive, and pioneering the students are. I know they will bring great things to this world, and I know they will be some of our many future great leaders of the continent. They are part of the promise for a better future.
I ask you to please visit the school’s site and see how you can get involved with this great mission.
|
Sep 25th, 2009 2:20 PM UTC
By Vusi Mahlasela
|
ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Vusi Mahlasela:
I’m currently en route to Paris right now to meet up with some of my favorite African musicians: Angelique Kidjo, Rokia Traore, Habib Koite and more. Together, we’re hosting a big concert to celebrate and honor the
music and the life of the late great South African singer Miriam Makeba or “Mama Africa” as she’s often called.
Her songs and voice have been etched in mind and in my soul since I was a little boy. She has been an inspiration to us all, both as a musician and as a social activist. Thank you, Mama Africa.
-Vusi Mahlasela
|
Sep 2nd, 2009 1:56 PM UTC
By Vusi Mahlasela
|
ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Vusi Mahlasela.
I wanted to introduce you all to one of my favorite young bands hailing from South Africa. They picked up four SAMA (South African Music Awards) this year, including Album of the Year. They’ve been busy touring all over the world sharing their vibrant and fun sound.
Listen online at www.freshlyground.com.
-Vusi Mahlasela
|
Aug 12th, 2009 10:05 AM UTC
By Vusi Mahlasela
|
ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from South African singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela
Many of you may already know her work but for those of you who don’t, I’d like to introduce to one of South Africa’s finest writers of our time Nadine Gordimer. The Nobel laureate, perpetual activist and prolific writer is a national treasure and I hope you’ll read some of her amazing novels including two of my favorites: July’s People and A Guest of Honour. As a young activist myself growing up in South Africa during the time of Apartheid, Nadine inspired me to follow my dream through my own writing and music.
-Vusi Mahlasela
|
Jul 28th, 2009 3:25 PM UTC
By Vusi Mahlasela
|
ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from South African singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlesela
In honor of Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday, ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa) has released a great audio book of Madiba’s favorite African Folk Tales. I was honored to lend some vocals on the project and it was fun to hear all the great stories as storytelling is so integral in preserving all of our cultures and history. Happy Birthday, Madiba!
You can learn more here: http://mandelasfavoritefolktales.com/
-Vusi Mahlesela
|
