Vusi Mahlasela Shares His Concert At The Ordway Center 2/7

Credited as one of the best voices of all time to emerge from Africa, Vusi Mahlasela shares his musical artistry in the opening performance of his 2009 national tour at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 7 at 8 p.m. This performance is part of the planet Ordway Target World Music series.

Sung in six different languages, Mahlasela's music recalls an Apartheid-scarred South Africa while rejoicing in the promise of a better future. He has expressed these sentiments of hope in his many recordings and artistic collaborations with renowned musicians Dave Matthews (who credits Mahlasela as being "one of the most important influences in my life"), Ladysmith Black Mombazo, Xavier Rudd and Paul Simon.

Mahlasela describes his artistic role as a blend of guitarist, percussionist, poet, composer, arranger, bandleader and performer. After touring intensely around the globe for years, Mahlasela still takes time away from these roles and devotes his gifts to critical social causes. Serving as an ambassador to Nelson Mandela's 46664 Foundation, Mahlasela works passionately to raise awareness of global aids and HIV.

Mahlasela brings a rare and unique concert to Ordway, bound to be full of powerful vocals, percussive music, emotion and hope.

Born with the full name Vusi Sidney Mahlasela Ka Zwane in 1965, Mahlasela grew up in South Africa's Mamelodi Township where he quickly became involved in the pulsating and energetic local artistic community. As a youth, Mahlasela constructed his own guitar out of tin and fishing wire, marking the beginning of his strong relationship with the instrument and his journey of musical artistry.

As a teen, Mahlasela joined youth organizations protesting the South African government. It was during his time in these organizations that Mahlasela began experimenting and perfecting his poetry, singing and songwriting. His involvement caused frequent police harassment, often resulting in confiscation of his musical performance notes. This required Mahlasela to memorize most of his work.

Speaking about the uncertain times of Apartheid, Mahlasela states, "Somehow you get some sort of courage. You look at what's happening to your comrades, and you see that their struggle has to be testified-and you don't have to be afraid."

In 2003, with various album releases to his name in South Africa, Mahlasela finally introduced his work to American audiences with "The Voice," a compilation album. This recording had a deep effect on Americans, as the raw and beautiful emotion spoke to the wounded American hearts dealing with the aftermath of 9/11.

Mahlasela reflects on his musical and social gifts as a personal responsibility. Mahlasela explains, "I know that I have something that is like a borrowed fire from God. And I have to use it in a very positive way."

Ordway Center is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading not-for-profit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway Center's Main Hall and McKnight Theatre stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions encompassing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, jazz, and vocal performance. In addition, each year Ordway Center presents its Flint Hills International Children's Festival and serves over 50,000 children and adults through its Ordway Center Education programs. Ordway Center is part of a unique Arts Partnership with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and the Schubert Club, hosting their renowned productions each season. Ordway Center is also proud to sponsor the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists in the areas of instrumental and vocal music, theater and dance.

Vusi Mahlasela
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
Box Office: 651.224.4222
Group Sales: 651.282.3111
One performance only:
Saturday, February 7, 2009
8 p.m.
Tickets $20 - $25