Vusi Mahlasela

Vusi Mahlasela started writing songs during South Africa's apartheid era, drawing from the political climate around him. His debut album 'When You Come Back' came out in 1987, and tracks like 'Basimanyana' and 'Say Africa' became known for their straightforward lyrics about freedom and social justice.

His music often worked with traditional melodies, but what people remember is how direct it felt at the time. He performed at festivals and collaborated with other artists, which helped his songs reach listeners outside South Africa.

Mahlasela faced censorship and threats because of his activism, and that experience shaped what he wrote about. The music wasn't complicated in its construction, but it carried weight because of when and where it was made.