Celebrated South African singer-songwriter, poet and activist Vusi Mahlasela, affectionately known as “The Voice”, returns with his deeply moving new single titled ‘Questions and Answers’. The single serves as the first offering from his forthcoming full-length album set for release in February 2026, marking a profound new chapter in his three-decade legacy of storytelling, healing and hope.

‘Questions and Answers’ is a spiritual call for truth, justice and renewal. Rooted in themes of movement, from crowded hardship (“Bombela”) toward peace the song is a reflection on the emotional and social landscapes shaping South Africa today. Mixed and mastered by two-time Grammy nominee Joe Arthur, the single features stirring vocal contributions from three of South Africa’s most revered female voices such as Faith Kekana, Stella Khumalo and Zamo Mbutho. The single also includes the soaring harmonies of The Thanda Choir from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, whose participation is supported by Dave Matthews.

Vusi Mahlasela on the single:

“This song is about our longing to move away from… poverty, suffering, frustration, corruption, and crime… to a place of peace, freedom, and justice. The voices of Faith, Stella, Zamo, and the Thanda Choir carry both the pain and the hope of our journey toward light.”

Following the success of his SAMA-nominated 2023 release, Umoya, Mahlasela’s upcoming full-length album signals a creative rebirth. Recorded during the pandemic and produced once again by Joe Arthur, the new body of work expands Vusi’s sonic and lyrical universe offering a deeply emotional and spiritual exploration of resilience, humanity and collective healing.

To commemorate the new music, Vusi Mahlasela will perform at select shows across Southern Africa:

-ENDS-

Live Dates

• 29 November 2025 – Exclusive Single Release Performance at 86 Public (Supported by Brandon Aura)

• 20 December 2025 – Headline Performance at the Standard Bank Letofe Festival (Lesotho)

• 22 February 2026 – Headlining at Kirstenbosch Gardens (Supported by Jabulile Majolo)

About Vusi Mahlasela

Vusi Mahlasela is a globally acclaimed South African singer-songwriter, poet, and activist whose voice became synonymous with South Africa’s journey to democracy. Raised and still based in Mamelodi Township, Vusi developed his signature blend of poetic lyricism, uplifting optimism, and soulful performance that helped bridge the Apartheid-scarred nation with its vision for freedom.

Internationally celebrated, he has shared stages with icons such as Sting, Paul Simon, Josh Groban, and the Dave Matthews Band, who signed him to ATO Records in 2003. His timeless anthem “When You Come Back” was chosen as the theme song for South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup coverage on ITV (UK).

His contributions to global arts and culture have earned him numerous honours, including:

• The National Order of Ikhamanga

• President Ramaphosa’s Ubuntu and Culture Award

• A Lifetime Achievement Award (SAMA 2014)

• Multiple honorary doctorates

As Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer wrote:  “Vusi sings as a bird does, in total response to being alive. He is a national treasure.”

Release Details

• Single: Questions and Answers — November 2025

• Full Album: (Untitled) — February 2026

• Previous Album: Umoya (Celebrating the Human Spirit) — September 2023

• Vusi recorded his new single at Flame Studios at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg. Flame Studios Recording Hub is a non profit company with a music developmental mandate and is very special to Vusi’s heart; Vusi has sat on the studios’ Advisory Forum since inception in 2020, and it’s also where he recorded his 2023 album ‘Umoya - Embracing the Human Spirit’