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
River Jordan
Vusi Mahlasela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I saw you cross the river Jordan
Mother, mama wam
I’ve been listening to you
So close
And yet so far away
It is now very clear
That the meaning of your last wish for me
Oh yes
Revealed my destiny
I saw you cross the river Jordan
With the most positive courage
When they washed your feet
Your last communion I was there
Mama
You fell down among us with a smile
And lay looking up with the look of another world
You departed surrounded by the singing (hallelujah)
And the praises of the hallelujah
Some envied your departure
Some came to offer what ever little comfort they could give
Hallelujah
Mother Mother
I saw you cross the river Jordan
Mother, mama wam
I saw you cross the river Jordan
I saw you cross the river Jordan
I saw you cross the river Jordan
I saw you cross the river Jordan
The song "River Jordan" by Vusi Mahlasela is a tribute to his mother who has passed away. In the first verse, he sings about witnessing his mother's last moments on earth as she passes away and crosses the River Jordan, which is a metaphor for death. He mourns the distance between them and how he couldn't be there with her in that moment. However, he feels her presence still through her words that he still hears so clearly, implying that he's taken her advice and it has led him to his destiny.
In the second verse, Mahlasela describes his mother's death and how she left this world surrounded by people singing and praising her. Some people envied her departure while others offered some comfort to the family. The use of the phrase "River Jordan" symbolizes a passage from this life to the next, and her last communion and foot-washing indicate her faith and spirituality. The repeated line "Mother Mother, I saw you cross the river Jordan" emphasizes his sadness and sense of loss, as well as his realization that she has now moved on to a better place.
Overall, the song is a moving tribute to the singer's late mother, celebrating her life, faith, and journey into the afterlife.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother mother
Addressing his mother with great fondness and respect
I saw you cross the river Jordan
He witnessed his mother's death and ultimate crossing into the afterlife
Mother, mama wam
Repeating his fond address to his mother in his native language (Zulu)
I’ve been listening to you
He's been learning from his mother all his life
So close
Despite her proximity in life, the artist still feels distant from his mother's presence
And yet so far away
He feels the distance even more poignantly now that she has passed
I’ve never stopped hearing your words since that Easter morning
Her words of wisdom and guidance continue to resonate with him, even long after her death
It is now very clear
The artist has gained new insight on his mother's wishes and teachings
That the meaning of your last wish for me
His mother's final request has become more meaningful and important to him over time
Oh yes
Emphasizing the significance of his newfound understanding
Revealed my destiny
His mother's lessons have helped shape his future path and purpose
With the most positive courage
His mother faced death bravely and with unwavering optimism
When they washed your feet
A reference to the Biblical story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, symbolizing humility and servitude
Your last communion I was there
He was present for his mother's final religious sacrament
Mama
A term of endearment for his mother
You fell down among us with a smile
She passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones
And lay looking up with the look of another world
She appeared to be gazing at something beyond this earthly realm
You departed surrounded by the singing (hallelujah)
Her passing was marked by joyful music and praise
And the praises of the hallelujah
Continuing to emphasize the joy and celebration of her passing
Some envied your departure
Some may have wished they could join her in the afterlife
Some came to offer whatever little comfort they could give
Others came to express their condolences and support
Hallelujah
A word of praise and appreciation, often used in religious contexts
I saw you cross the river Jordan
Repeating the central image and theme of the song, emphasizing his witness to his mother's passing
Mother, mama wam
Repeating his loving address to his mother as the song comes to a close
I saw you cross the river Jordan
Final repetition of the song's central image and theme, concluding with a poignant reminder of his mother's passing
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: VUSI SYDNEY MAHLASELA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Prokolu
This is the kind of music that you have to use your heart to listen it :)
Crystal Paxson
Just Beautiful!! So peaceful. I love this
Lenileinchen1
My school choir sang together with vusi that song last year in germany^^ he sang the normal text and we the choir parts =) it was so amazing... *-*
Bheki Ngobese
We are still singing the song even today.
Luxolo Songo
Can't stop listening this 😢❤️
Deisy Paredes Molano
Wonderful song! I listened you the first time on Stand By me (Playing for the change) I think your voice is blessed, I hope you success
Passos 'Jr
Linda voz, Brasileiro aqui...🇧🇷
Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun
Was an honor sharing the stage with you Vusi! We will indeed all have to play together next time, much respect!!!
Aphiwe Mabhija
You are my role model baba Vusi.Your music just calms my inner soul and I just get absorbed and I sometimes sing along.This one is like all the songs,it's a masterpiece.
Tom Lundholm
Love this song....