many in the anti-apartheid movement. His themes include the struggle for freedom, and forgiveness and reconciliation with enemies. Vusi can also be heard performing on Warren Haynes' [Gov't Mule, The Allman Brothers Band] Live at Bonnaroo release during the song "Soulshine", and the Dave Matthews Band song, "Everyday", from the album of the same name as well as a live version of the song with him which appears on the album The Best of What's Around Vol. 1. Vusi was also one of the performers at the Live 8 concerts.
Vusi played a very mellow pre-lunch solo set to an appreciative audience (those capable of functioning at that hour) at the 2004 Falls Festival that was concluded with a superb performance of 'Red Song' in The Big Top, before joining Xavier Rudd on the main Valley Stage to a raptuous reception.
His album The Voice includes the popular track "Weeping", recorded with Josh Groban and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Vusi joined Mambazo for their October-November UK tour in 2004, and will join them again for their 2007 UK tour, again from October to November 2007 [1].
He and other South African musicians took part in the 2002 documentary Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony where they recalled the days of Apartheid.
In June 2007, Mahlasela spoke of apartheid and performed "Thula Mama" at the TED Conference.
On 7 July 2007 Mahlasela performed at the South African leg of Live Earth.
His most recent album, Guiding Star, as Naledi Ya Tsela (the name under which it is released in South Africa) won him the 2007 SAMA for Best Male Artist.
Discography
When You Come Back 1992
Wisdom of Forgiveness 1994
Silang Mabele 1997
Live at the Bassline 1999
Miyela Afrika 2000
Jungle of Questions (with the Proud Peoples Band) 2000
Soundtrack: Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony 2002
Compilations: The Voice (Vusi Mahlasela album) 2003
Soundtrack: Tsotsi 2005
Naledi Ya Tsela (Guiding Star) 2007
Chamber of Justice
Vusi Mahlasela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where criminals are given awards
And politicians slide through revolving doors
Where talk of the rule of law
Becomes a tool in tug of war
And leaders become bidders in the stock exchange
At the expense of the poor
I’ve been to a place where they send people to the moon
A place where every omen warns
Of the coming counter-storm
But still the gluttons gorge, dull and swinish-eyed,
Ignore the rising tide
I have seen selfishness blind and ignorant
And greediness become the passion of crime
Humanity! Humanity!
The truth is still to be challenged
By all who seek justice
I have been to a place
Where the golden calf rules
And the poor pay more
While the rich have it all
Where truth is scourged
And honesty purged
And silence rules behind every door
Foundations crumble
And in the distance, I hear rumbling
The fall of Rome
Humanity! Humanity!
The truth is still to be challenged
By all who seek justice
Vusi Mahlasela's "Chamber of Justice" is a powerful critique of the systemic injustices and inequalities in society, particularly in relation to the rule of law, the political system, and economic power structures that exploit and marginalize the poor. The song begins with the artist stating that he has been to a place where criminals are given awards, politicians move through revolving doors and the rule of law becomes a tool for power play. It is a place where leaders are more interested in the stock exchange than the welfare of the poor.
The lyrics of the song question the values of humanity in a place where the rich have it all and the poor are forced to pay more; where truth and honesty are condemned to silence and the reins of power are in the hands of a few. Mahlasela's words speak on how the pursuit of wealth and power has crippled our society, blindly consuming resources, ignoring the poor, and feeding their own self-interests.
Line by Line Meaning
I have been to a place
The singer is describing a place, possibly metaphorical, that they have been to.
Where criminals are given awards
In this place, criminals are celebrated and rewarded for their actions.
And politicians slide through revolving doors
Politicians in this place easily move in and out of positions of power and influence.
Where talk of the rule of law
People in this place often discuss the importance of following the law.
Becomes a tool in tug of war
However, these discussions are often used as a means to an end in various conflicts.
And leaders become bidders in the stock exchange
Leaders in this place are more concerned with financial gain and success than protecting their citizens.
At the expense of the poor
This focus on financial gain often comes at the cost of those who are not wealthy or powerful.
I’ve been to a place where they send people to the moon
This place boasts technological advancements and achievements.
While others become prophets of doom
However, many people here predict negative outcomes or catastrophes of some sort.
A place where every omen warns
There are many signs and predictions of bad things happening in this place.
Of the coming counter-storm
These omens point to a negative, difficult future for this place.
But still the gluttons gorge, dull and swinish-eyed,
Despite these warnings, those in power continue to indulge themselves and ignore the problems posed by the incoming storm.
Ignore the rising tide
They overlook the impending issues facing them.
I have seen selfishness blind and ignorant
The singer has witnessed selfishness that is not only focused on itself, but also uninformed and blind to the true consequences of its actions.
And greediness become the passion of crime
This selfishness is motivated by an intense desire for profit and gain, even if this means committing crimes or exploiting others.
Humanity! Humanity!
The artist is addressing humanity, possibly as a plea or call to action.
The truth is still to be challenged
There is still much that needs to be questioned and challenged in this place.
By all who seek justice
Only those who actively pursue justice will challenge this truth.
Where the golden calf rules
In this place, material wealth is worshipped and celebrated above all else.
And the poor pay more
This focus on wealth does not benefit everyone equally, leaving the poor at a disadvantage.
While the rich have it all
Those who have wealth are able to benefit fully from this focus, gaining power and resources for themselves.
Where truth is scourged
In this place, speaking or learning the truth are discouraged or punished.
And honesty purged
Honesty is actively removed or punished in this place.
And silence rules behind every door
Fear keeps people quiet in this place, afraid to speak out against the injustices they see.
Foundations crumble
The structures and systems in place in this place are rapidly deteriorating or falling apart.
And in the distance, I hear rumbling
The singer can sense that something bad is coming or happening, just out of sight.
The fall of Rome
This phrase is referencing the decline of major civilizations, implying that this place is on the brink of collapse or change.
Humanity! Humanity!
Again, the artist addresses humanity, potentially as a call to action or plea for help.
The truth is still to be challenged
The importance of questioning and challenging the truth remains a central part of this piece.
By all who seek justice
Only those who are actively pursuing justice and equality will be able to challenge the status quo in this place.
Contributed by Dylan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vusile Mathebula
on Yithi Masotsha
Rich with African philosophy