Acclaimed singer-songwriter, poet and activist Vusi Mahlasela, affectionately known as ‘The Voice’, will make his debut performance at UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on Saturday 31 October. This highly anticipated evening by one of South Africa’s most celebrated voices will be a celebration of music, heritage, hope and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

The concert is sponsored by the Cameron Schier Foundation and is being held in support of the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to Jazz students and helps create meaningful opportunities for emerging young musicians. The scholarship also facilitates student participation in the National Youth Jazz Festival, while supporting other educational and developmental opportunities. Proceeds from the concert will further contribute to the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music’s outreach programmes, extending the Centre’s impact beyond the university and into the broader community.

Mahlasela is renowned for his distinctive and powerful voice, as well as his poetic and deeply optimistic songwriting. His music has become part of the soundtrack of South Africa’s journey from the trauma and injustice of apartheid towards the promise of a more hopeful and inclusive future. Born and raised in Mamelodi, Pretoria, where he continues to live, Mahlasela discovered music at an early age. Self-taught on guitar, he developed his voice as a singer-songwriter and poet-activist, later becoming involved with the Congress of South African Writers. His music has consistently reflected his commitment to social justice, freedom, dignity and the transformative power of hope.

Following the release of his popular debut album, “When You Come Back”, on BMG Africa, Mahlasela was invited to perform at Nelson Mandela’s historic inauguration in 1994. Since then, his career has taken him to stages around the world, where he has performed and collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists including Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Paul Simon and Josh Groban. Over the past two decades, Mahlasela has released nine acclaimed albums, establishing himself as an influential figure in South African and global music.

Vusi Mahlasela. Picture supplied

His latest release, “Shebeen Queen” on ATO Records, celebrates the vibrant musical culture of his hometown and the shebeen culture he first encountered at his grandmother’s shebeen. The album is a deeply personal reflection of place, memory, community and the rich musical traditions that shaped him. Mahlasela’s extraordinary contribution to music and culture has earned him numerous accolades. In 2014, the South African Music Awards (SAMA) honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also served as an ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 campaign, which raised awareness around the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa.

Mahlasela’s contribution extends beyond music. He holds an hononary doctorate from Rhodes University and was recently awarded a second doctorate by the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His cultural contribution has also been recognised nationally, including an Ubuntu and Culture Award from President Cyril Ramaphosa. Former President Jacob Zuma awarded him the National Order of Ikhamanga, recognising his contribution to drawing attention to the injustices that isolated South Africa from the global community during the apartheid years.

For the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, welcoming Mahlasela for his debut performance at the Centre is a significant occasion. His music speaks across generations and borders, connecting South Africa’s history with its present and future through song, storytelling and an unwavering belief in humanity. The concert also reflects the Centre’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Jazz musicians. Through the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship and its outreach initiatives, the Centre continues to create pathways for talented young people to access education, performance opportunities, festivals and professional development.

An evening with Vusi Mahlasela will therefore be more than a concert. It will be an evening that brings together music, education, heritage, community and social investment, while celebrating an artist whose work has become synonymous with hope, freedom and the human spirit. The UKZN Jazz voice students will perform a short opening set. The Jazz Centre is located at Level 2, Dennis Shepstone Building, Howard College Campus. Tickets are available through Webtickets or at the door. They are selling at R200 for general public, R150 for pensioners and R100 for students with a valid card. Doors open at 17h00 and the concert starts at 17h30.