He has not released a full body of work since 2009. Legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela (58) affectionately known as The Voice reveals to ZiMoja that today, he will be releasing the project, Umoya (Embracing The Human Spirit), through Gallo Music, which is all about healing the mind, bod, and soul.

ILL HEALTH 

He recorded the project at Flame Studios, Constitution Hill, Braamfontein and at the helm was two-time Grammy-nominated producer Joe Arthur. The 10-track album addresses some crucial personal and social issues. He recorded Umoya during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I composed most of the songs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The studio at Con Hill was newly built and they offered that I go there and rejuvenate myself. Everyone was indoors and I had been battling some health challenges, which really helped me. Going there every day helped me to recover," he says. Without going into detail about his health, Vusi says, the project brought healing for himself and those he worked with.  

HEALING

He partnered with the Vusi Mahlasela Music Foundation and Native Intelligence De Coloniality Project Centr and with collaborators Habib Koite, Steve Dyer, and Maduvha who feature on the opening track. Vusi seeks to utilise this project to dismantle colonial frameworks by promoting indigenous knowledge and fostering dialogue. "This was supposed to be a solo album, but the songs really developed themselves to where they are today," he says, adding that, "The journey was amazing. With the history of Con Hill having been a former prison, the songs were kind of cleansing the place in a way. It was a great creative process but it was very emotional." He adds, "The songs were spiritual, they directed themselves. I would think of a word and then in my dream would be directed to change it. From time to time, we would change things and Joe Arthur understood that it was a spiritual journey. That is why it is called Umoya, all about embracing the human spirit." While seven of the songs were recorded at home, Africa The Sun Is Rising, Choose Love and Azamali were composed in New York. "Umoya addresses things that have gone wrong and how to fix them, it brings awareness and highlights that nothing can substitute the wisdom of God. Whatever artificial intelligence, things can go so wrong, but let God be our salvation." 

SOCIALLY INCLINED MUSIC

The multi-award-winning artist, who has performed with the late Hugh Masekela and Mahotella Queens, continues using his socially inclined music to convey messages both timeless and borderless, for individual souls and communities. "I know every sickness needs healing," he says. "Everyone who cries needs comforting. Every troubled soul needs redemption, as captives need freedom. As every answer starts with a question, every problem needs a solution. Justice must be balanced on every scale - moral leadership, integrity, and fairness matter."