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
Red Song
Vusi Mahlasela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Halala ho hom (x4)
I might break into a song
Like the blues man or troubadour
And in from long distance in no blues club
I might say, baby baby baby
Should I now stop singing about love
Now that my memory is surrounded by blood
So who are they who say no more love poems now?
I want to sing my song of love
For that woman who jumped fences pregnant and gave birth
To a healthy child
Softly I walk into this embrace of this fire
That will ignite my love song my song of life
(Chorus)
My song of love
My song of life (x4)
Oh when I try to run away from song
I heard the persistent voice more powerful then the enemy bombs
Demanding the song that washed our lives in rains of our blood
(Chorus)
My song of love
My song of life
The lyrics of Vusi Mahlasela's "Red Song" express the deep desire of the singer to sing about love, despite the prevalence of violence and pain in his surroundings. The chorus "Halala ho hom" that repeats throughout the song is a celebratory Zulu phrase that roughly translates to "celebrate the day, the dawn has come". The singer muses that he might break into a song like a blues man or a troubadour, no matter how far he is from a blues club. He then questions the wisdom of stopping singing about love when his memory is surrounded by blood - acknowledging the harsh realities of his situation but refusing to let it quell his voice.
The second stanza of the song is directed at those who would discourage the singer from singing love songs, asking "who are they who say no more love poems now?" The singer then reflects on the courage of a woman who jumped fences while pregnant to give birth to a healthy child - a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity. The song concludes with the singer embracing the "fire" of his love song, which has been ignited by the rains of blood in his life. In doing so, he expresses a profound optimism and hope for the future despite the darkness of his surroundings.
Line by Line Meaning
Halala ho hom (x4)
Celebration, rejoicing and cheering on. (Repeated four times for emphasis)
I might break into a song
I may burst out singing spontaneously.
Like the blues man or troubadour
Similar to a poetic musician famous for melancholic tunes.
And in from long distance in no blues club
Even without a venue or a live stage, as if calling from afar.
I might say, baby baby baby
Expressing affection or creating a love tune with repetitive lyrics.
Should I now stop singing about love
Is it appropriate or necessary to cease from making love songs?
Now that my memory is surrounded by blood
Considering the difficult or tragic experiences that may have marred my past.
Sister, why or why do we at times mistake a pimple for a cancer
Asking why we sometimes blow things out of proportion or misinterpret things negatively.
So who are they who say no more love poems now?
Questioning the critics or the naysayers who discourage him from making more romantic poetry.
I want to sing my song of love
He desires to express his feelings or admiration for someone special.
For that woman who jumped fences pregnant and gave birth to a healthy child
Dedicated to a brave and resilient mother who overcame obstacles and hardships gracefully.
Softly I walk into this embrace of this fire
Approaching with caution and reverence while being attracted to this intense passion.
That will ignite my love song, my song of life
That will trigger his creative expression and give birth to a new anthem.
Oh when I try to run away from song
Whenever he attempts to avoid or abandon his musical talent or artistic passion.
I heard the persistent voice more powerful than the enemy bombs
Acknowledging the inner voice that compels him to keep performing, even in the face of danger or adversity.
Demanding the song that washed our lives in rains of our blood
Requiring the music that reflects the struggles and the sacrifices that we have all endured to survive and thrive.
My song of love, my song of life
His personal expressions of affection and vitality that resonate with others.
Halala ho hom (x4)
Celebration, rejoicing and cheering on. (Repeated four times for emphasis)
Writer(s): Willie Kgositsile Keorapetse, Vusi Sydney Mahlasela
Contributed by Jacob G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vusile Mathebula
on Yithi Masotsha
Rich with African philosophy