South African Singer Vusi Mahlasela, born 1965 in Pretoria, is known as "t… Read Full Bio ↴South African Singer Vusi Mahlasela, born 1965 in Pretoria, is known as "the Voice" and hails from the township of Mamelodi. He has been featured in the South African music documentary "Amandla!" and has lent his vocal skills to the soundtrack of the Academy Award winning South African Film "Tsotsi".
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

Melodi Ya Mamelodi
Vusi Mahlasela Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ulwa, ulwa melodi ya Mamelodi
Ulwa, ulwa melodi ya Mamelodi
Ke melodi ya Mamelodi.
Thabeng tsa Mongale segudi
Ke melodi ya Mamelodi.
Thabeng tsa Mongale segudi
Gotheogela nokeng ya Moretele goretetse ka mmino wa batho
Gotheogela nokeng ya Moretele goretetse ka mmini wa batho

Ka bo mogale tabane, yena wa malopo
Mogale makgalemele, yena wa dinoto
Etla o hwetse Mahlasela, a go opelele direto
Bare ngwanyana theka lesesane o re abuti ntsware kearobega
Keoba ke melodi ya Mamelodi
Keoba ke melodi ya Mamelodi

Melodi ya Mamelodi
Melodi ya Mamelodi

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Vusi Mahlasela's song "Melodi Ya Mamelodi" celebrate the rich cultural heritage and identity of Mamelodi, a township in South Africa. The repetition of the phrase "ulwa, ulwa melodi ya Mamelodi" serves as a call to action, inviting listeners to engage with the vibrancy and vitality of the township's culture. The song mentions Thabeng tsa Mongale segudi, a landmark in Mamelodi, and points out that the area is rich with music and community. The lyrics also mention the importance of preserving and supporting local artists like Mahlasela, who is recognized as a cultural icon in South Africa. Additionally, the song features a call-and-response between Mahlasela and a chorus, inviting listeners to participate in the celebration of Mamelodi's cultural heritage.

Line by Line Meaning

Ulwa, ulwa melodi ya Mamelodi
Listen, listen to the melody of Mamelodi

Ke melodi ya Mamelodi.
I am the melody of Mamelodi.

Thabeng tsa Mongale segudi
Mountains of Mongale are beautiful

Ke melodi ya Mamelodi.
I am the melody of Mamelodi.

Thabeng tsa Mongale segudi
Mountains of Mongale are beautiful

Gotheogela nokeng ya Moretele goretetse ka mmino wa batho
Flowing through Moretele valley with the music of people

Gotheogela nokeng ya Moretele goretetse ka mmini wa batho
Flowing through Moretele valley with the music of people

Ka bo mogale tabane, yena wa malopo
There is a brave warrior from Mogale, he is of the fire

Mogale makgalemele, yena wa dinoto
Mogale the conqueror, he of the night

Etla o hwetse Mahlasela, a go opelele direto
When you meet Mahlasela, do not forget to pass on the message

Bare ngwanyana theka lesesane o re abuti ntsware kearobega
They say the boy is small, but his heart is as big as a mountain