Today, we met with Vusi Mahlasela, a South African musician. Though, the simple description of ‘musician’ seems too short when talking about a performer as well rounded as Vusi, who is an accomplished guitarist, singer, poet, composer, and activist!

I met Vusi at a concert for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Foundation. Vusi serves as an ambassador for this organization, which aims to put an end to the growing HIV/AIDS crisis in the world. And, that’s not the only cause to which he lends his voice. Vusi also has his own organization, the Vusi Mahlasela Music Development Foundation (VMMDF), which promotes the use of traditional South African instruments.

During the Apartheid era, if a radio station DJ was caught playing a record with traditional South African instruments, the South African government’s authorities would scratch the record so it could no longer be played. As a result, many young people no longer know how to play these instruments. VMMDF if working to preserve these important pieces of South African history and to make sure that a new generation will be able to appreciate the musical and cultural significance of these instruments.

To start off our morning, Vusi played guitar and sang for us -- a beautiful lullaby, called ‘A Prayer For Our Time.’ I find it fascinating that so many South African musicians sing in several languages. Vusi sings in both in African languages and in English. Though I cannot always understand every word, it is possible to understand the meaning of songs just by listening to the music.

Vusi’s stories about growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa and using music and poetry as an outlet were captivating. Vusi was young - a student himself - during the Soweto Riots in 1976, and witnessing this event motivated him to become more involved in the politics of the day. He was arrested after attending rallies and writing poetry that spoke out against the government and imbalances in his country. Vusi’s experience made me think more about how words, art, and songs can be used to influence cultural, social, and political change. The fact that the Apartheid government arrested poets, musicians, and authors, just for writing what they believed, shows how powerful words can be. I thought about other Apartheid era musicians, like Miriam Makeba or Hugh Masekela, whose message in song was so political that they lived in exile for years -- performing for everyone but their own their fellow countrymen.

An inspiring and musical day,

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