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
Roots
Vusi Mahlasela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Understanding is best the world
Between royal guard
Mazilime ziy'etsheni mfana zithi qhu
Awe
Nay'intombi madoda
Awu ngithi ngiyayishela ngizwa ngishaywa luvalo
Yhu heh
Ngilala ngingalele mina
Yhu ngilele ngingalele mna
Guga, guga, guga mzimba
Sala weh nhliziy'esal'ibanga amacala
Awu weh sengiyahlupheka mna
Nay'intombi seyingishayis'uvalo
Awu wamuhl'umntanabantu
Nal'uthando seliyangihluphekisa
The lyrics of Vusi Mahlasela's song "Roots" express a deep understanding and appreciation for the world's complexities and the need for understanding between people. The repetition of the line "Mazilime ziy'etsheni mfana zithi qhu" emphasizes the importance of understanding and suggests that it is the key to overcoming obstacles and divisions. The reference to the "royal guard" further emphasizes the idea of unity and protection.
The following lines, starting with "Awe, Nay'intombi madoda", speak to the fear and vulnerability experienced by the singer. They convey a sense of reaching out for help and understanding amid the challenges they face. The repetition of "Awu ngithi ngiyayishela ngizwa ngishaywa luvalo" emphasizes the singer's plea for support and empathy.
The lines "Yhu heh, Ngilala ngingalele mina, Yhu ngilele ngingalele mna" suggest a state of surrender and exhaustion. The singer feels overwhelmed and desires a sense of peace and rest. The repetition of these phrases reinforces the depth of their weariness and longing for respite.
The song takes a turn with the line "Guga, guga, guga mzimba, Sala weh nhliziy'esal'ibanga amacala," which can be interpreted as a call to strength and resilience. The phrase encourages the preservation of one's heart, even in the face of difficulties and mistakes.
The closing lines lament the singer's struggles, particularly within a relationship, which is described as causing fear and distress. The phrase "Nal'uthando seliyangihluphekisa" touches on the pain and burden experienced in love.
Overall, "Roots" is a song that speaks to the complexities of life, the need for understanding, and the desire for emotional and spiritual well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Mazilime ziy'etsheni mfana zithi qhu
Understanding is best the world
Between royal guard
In the midst of protection and authority
Awe
Oh
Nay'intombi madoda
There is a girl, gentlemen
Sengithi ngiyayishela ngishaywa uvalo
I tell her I am overwhelmed by fear
Awu ngithi ngiyayishela ngizwa ngishaywa luvalo
Oh, I say I am overwhelmed, I feel consumed by fear
Yhu heh
Expressing shock or exclamation
Ngilala ngingalele mina
I sleep, I dream
Yhu ngilele ngingalele mna
Oh, I sleep, I dream
Guga, guga, guga mzimba
Gladly, gladly, gladly the body
Sala weh nhliziy'esal'ibanga amacala
Stay there, with a heart full of shame
Awu weh sengiyahlupheka mna
Oh, I, I am tormented
Nay'intombi seyingishayis'uvalo
With a girl who does not show fear
Awu wamuhl'umntanabantu
Oh, you have turned her into a people's child
Nal'uthando seliyangihluphekisa
And love troubles me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vusile Mathebula
on Yithi Masotsha
Rich with African philosophy