ATO

Though he’s been an integral fixture on the music scene in his homeland for years, South African vocalist Vusi Mahlasela first received attention in the United States of America after he sang on fellow countryman Dave Matthews’ smash album Everyday in 1998. A few years later, he met Taj Mahal at a benefit and the blues legend offered to produce his album for Matthews’ ATO Records. Recorded in Matthews’ Charlottesville, Va. studio, Say Africa is the resulting collaboration. This beautiful 14-track collection is acoustic Afropop folk through and through. Mahlasela is a simple yet powerful storyteller with a strong penchant for memorable hooks. The melodies and crisp guitar work on “Woza” are as catchy as one of Matthews’ ¬Everyday singles. remain in mind, as do its crisp guitar chords. Fellow Afropop star Angélique Kidjo adds to the equally catchy “Nakupenda Africa.” While great performances abound, it is perhaps Bakithi Kumalo’s bass playing is the strongest element – besides, of course, Mahlasela’s unforgettable voice.