Guitarist and vocalist Vusi Mahlasela, one of South Africa’s most admired singer-songwriters, has just released his new live album titled Shebeen Queen on ATO Records. Shebeen Queen includes 10 traditional folk songs from Mahlasela’s home township of Mamelodi.
The album is named after Mahlasela’s late grandmother Ida, who earned the nickname “Shebeen Queen” after her shebeen (speakeasy) became known for its festive musical jams.
Mahlasela and his band shut down the street in front of Ida’s former shebeen to throw a neighborhood party and perform the songs that appear on Shebeen Queen.
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Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
Greetings from England. I can’t stop playing this Fantastic album. Surely the best thing Vusi has released! This deserves to be heard more widely.