Music and the arts can be powerful tools to inform people and create change. Few people know this better than Sipho Mabuse and Vusi Mahlasela.

Sipho ‘Hotstix’ has been making music for the last 40 years. He is influenced by artists like Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, and Charlie Parker.

During Apartheid, Sipho’s hit song Burn Out crossed racial lines. White, black, and coloured South Africans all listened to this one song. It was the first time many white South Africans heard music from the townships. His music helped create unity in a country divided by race.

Another person who understands the power of music is Vusi Mahlasela.

Vusi was a student during the Soweto Uprising in 1976. This event inspired him to become more involved in the politics of his country. He began to write music and poetry about the inequality in South Africa.

Today, Vusi performs all over the world. It amazed me to hear him sing in different South African languages. I cannot always understand his lyrics, but the meaning is clear through a song’s energy.

Extra Credit: Learn about Hugh Masekela, another famous South African musician.

Coming Up: The leaders of the “Rainbow Nation”.

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