Mzansi Youth Choir reimagines Vusi Mahlasela’s ‘Say Africa’

Few songs better encapsulate African elements and rhythms than Say Africa, written by Dave Goldblum in 1997 and performed by Vusi Mahlasela at the opening of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Now the heartfelt ballad has been brought to life again in a vibrant video by the internationally acclaimed Soweto-based Mzansi Youth Choir and Mahlasela himself.

“We chose Say Africa and Vusi because they’re synonymous with the struggle for freedom, forgiveness and reconciliation,” says James Bassingthwaighte, musical director of the Mzansi Youth Choir.

The choir was established in 2003 to give talented, underprivileged youngsters the opportunity to perform locally and abroad.  It has since become a formidable international show choir.

Rand Merchant Bank commissioned the Sowetan choir to reimagine a truly South African song that would give impetus to how, through collaboration and togetherness, South Africans are stronger.

“Say Africa inspires people to believe that together we can overcome so many of the challenges we, as a continent, have faced,” says Bassingthwaighte.

The creative one-minute video performance sees a constant adding of vocal layers, starting with the youngest chorister, Thato Buthelezi, and ending in an epic celebration by the whole choir, joined by Mahlasela.

Mahlasela has performed worldwide, including at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994 and New York City’s famous Radio City Music Hall in 2009.