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South Africa meets the American South

South Africa meets the American South

Vusi Mahlasela is simply known as “The Voice” in his home country, South Africa, and is celebrated for his distinctive, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with its promise for a better future. Vusi Mahlasela has shared the stage with Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Josh Groban, Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo, Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee and many more. His captivating performance during the SMF 2009 presentation of the Bela Fleck Africa Project was remarkable, and his return to SMF features some of South Africa’s most revered musicians. Bassist Bakithi Kumalo played on the original “Graceland” tour with Paul Simon, with whom he has toured regularly since 1986, and has also collaborated with Herbie Hancock and Gloria Estefan. Ian Herman is widely considered to be South Africa’s most gifted drummer and has backed Paul Simon, George Duke and many others. Mongezi Chris Ntaka was the former lead guitarist with Lucky Dube and the Slaves (Africa’s top selling artist), and is known for his strong rhythm playing and warm tone.

“I’ve seen [Vusi] perform around the world and he never fails to connect with sparkling results and joyous energy.” —Taj Mahal

Learning guitar from his father and banjo and fiddle from his grandfather, Dirk Powell has expanded on the deeply rooted sounds of his Appalachian heritage to become one of the preeminent traditional American musicians of his generation. Having recorded and performed with artists such as Emmylou Harris, Levon Helm, Jack White, Joan Baez, Steve Earle, Kris Kristofferson and Linda Ronstadt, his ability to unite the essence of traditional culture with modern sensibilities has also led to work with such film directors as Ang Lee, Anthony Minghella, Spike Lee and Victor Nunez. He was a founding member of the Cajun group Balfa Toujours and has been a regularly featured artist in the BBC series The Transatlantic Sessions. Powell’s soulful and emotionally fearless music has carried him to a unique place in today’s musical landscape—one where tradition, innovation and inspiration meet without borders. Riley Baugus represents the best of old-time American banjo and song. Starting on the fiddle, Baugus quickly moved on to the banjo, building his first instrument from scrap wood with his father. When not teaching or building banjos, Baugus can be found out on the road performing. As solo performers, Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus are each superb. Together, they are an old-time music dream.

Savannah College of Art and Design