Acoustic Africa with Habib Koite and Vusi Mahlasela

An evening celebrating the richness of African traditions of voice and song.

7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8

A modern troubadour with extraordinary appeal, Habib Koité's musicianship, wit and wisdom translate across cultures. Hailing from the musically prolific West African nation of Mali, the guitarist and composer has been named the biggest pop star of the region by Rolling Stone, delighting audiences the world over and selling more than 250,000 albums. Over the past decade, his artistry and magnetic personality have made him an international star, placing him firmly among the leading figures in contemporary world music.

Vusi Mahlasela is simply known as "The Voice" in his home-country, South Africa, and is universally celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic and optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with a promise for a better future. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, Vusi became a singer-songwriter and poet-activist at an early age. After his popular debut on BMG Africa, "When You Come Back," Vusi was asked to perform at Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994 and continues to spread Mandela's message as an official ambassador to Mandela's HIV/AIDS initiative, 46664.