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Vusi Mahlasela — When You Come Back
Album: The Voice
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1838









Released: 2003
Length: 4:04
Plays (last 30 days): 2
This is the unknown grave
The one who died maintaining his might
His will being so strong and musically inclined
His sad melodies coming out like smoke from the woodfire
And he sang:
Mayibuye iAfrica!
Sing now, Africa
Sing loud, Sing to the people
Let them give something to the world and not just take from it.

[Chorus:]
And we'll ring the bells when you come back...
We'll beat the drums when you come back home.
We'll ring the bells when you come back...
We'll beat the drums when you come back home
We'll ring the bells when you come back
We'll beat the drums when you come back home

Our lost African music, will turn into the music of the people
Yes the people's music, For the people's culture
And I'll be the one who'll climb up the mountain
Reaching for the top of our Africa dais
While the poor women working for the lazy lord sing!

[Chorus:]
Africa Sing! Africa Sing!
Sing Sing Africa! Sing Sing Africa!
Let this illusion of memory be over from the people's minds and souls

Our lost African music, will turn into the music of the people
Yes the people's music, For the people's culture
And I'll be the one who'll climb up the mountain
Reaching for the top of our Africa dais
While the poor women working for the lazy lord sing!

[Chorus:]
Africa Sing! Africa Sing!
Sing Sing Africa! Sing Sing Africa!
Let this illusion of memory be over from the people's minds and souls

[Chorus:]
And we'll ring the bells when you come back... (When you come back)
We'll beat the drums when you come back... (When you come back)
We'll ring the bells when you come back... (When you come back)
We'll beat the drums when you come back... (When you come back)
We'll ring the bells when you come back... (When you come back)
We'll beat the drums when you come back... (When you come back)
[repeat until the end]
Comments (139)add comment
SUPERB!!   Thanx RP!   
 MilesW wrote:



Roger Daltrey and Robert Plant let someone kick them in the nuts?  Sorry - I gotta call bullshit on this one...  or prove it.  


Whooooooooshhhhhh...
 Proclivities wrote:

That's generally the crescendo of a lot of popular rock tunes.  How do you think Roger Daltrey reached that note in "Baba O'Reilly", or Robert Plant did so in "Stairway To Heaven"?  There was a designated "cobblers kicker" who worked with a lot of bands back then.  I forgot his name, but there's a book about the guy.



Roger Daltrey and Robert Plant let someone kick them in the nuts?  Sorry - I gotta call bullshit on this one...  or prove it.  
this is beautiful.
Excellent! I never heard of him before. Thank You RP!
 Proclivities wrote:

That's generally the crescendo of a lot of popular rock tunes.  How do you think Roger Daltrey reached that note in "Baba O'Reilly", or Robert Plant did so in "Stairway To Heaven"?  There was a designated "cobblers kicker" who worked with a lot of bands back then.  I forgot his name, but there's a book about the guy.
At school we used to say that Reg got whacked in the goolies with a  ruler by someone under the piano in order to reach the heights of 'Levon'.

Ohhh damn i grew up to this song, my parents played it on the campsite when we were on holidays.. Today i heard it again, finally understanding the message of it and still in love with this piece of art <3
Didn't catch this track but am familiar with the artist having one of his CDs and haven seen him and met during a meet and greet post show. 
Very pleasant fellow  and a true joy to listen to.
So glad to see him getting "air" play
Call me crazy but the intro verse sounds a lot like a sea shanty melody!
The rest is obviously completely different.
Love it!
 Proclivities wrote:

That's generally the crescendo of a lot of popular rock tunes.  How do you think Roger Daltrey reached that note in "Baba O'Reilly", or Robert Plant did so in "Stairway To Heaven"?  There was a designated "cobblers kicker" who worked with a lot of bands back then.  I forgot his name, but there's a book about the guy.
 
Colonel Soreballs, right?  
Quite interesting to read the comments on this one. Those having a problem with exposure to Africa might benefit from taking note that (a) Dave Matthews was also born in South Africa and (b) performs with Vusi on occasion. And I don't just mean on DMB's 'Everyday'; I mean Vusi's "Sower of words".
 ElCamoteLoco wrote:
Not so sure about the 'Tiptoe Among the Tulips' falsetto there.
 
The first time the falsetto kicked in, I immediately thought of Adam Sandler.
Good afternoon to the 137 RP listeners on the Continent of Africa

Marvelous artist; great song!
I find myself switching between the (orphaned) beta player and the 320 bps AAC stream, because said beta player often just cuts out on me in a maddening fashion. I saw that a beautiful piece was "now playing." Got a different song when I opened the beta player, so quit the player and opened the 320 stream to discover (1st listen) this wonderful track! Instant 9. Like a divinely guided or randomized  PSD... 
I love RP!
{#Motor}
Wonderful music! Townships come alive to this music, it is very uplifting.
 
Not so sure about the 'Tiptoe Among the Tulips' falsetto there.
Helps me just fine, thanks Vusi Mahlasela.
yes alright, but that is enough!
Listen to us, we are making world music!
ladidadida

nah
 Proclivities wrote:
There was a designated "cobbler's kicker" who worked with a lot of bands back then.  I forgot his name, but there's a book about the guy.
 
According to Keith Richards' bio, The Stones went on tour with the guy during the 80s and that is why, even today, Mick walks the way he does.

I wish I could remember the guy's name. 
Great music. Makes me wanna dance.

Oh hold on..... I AM!! 
"Quck, grab the crystal glass ware! They're all shattering!"
 fookmyoldboots wrote:
It was ok until he sounded like someone kicked him in the nuts!
 
That's generally the crescendo of a lot of popular rock tunes.  How do you think Roger Daltrey reached that note in "Baba O'Reilly", or Robert Plant did so in "Stairway To Heaven"?  There was a designated "cobblers kicker" who worked with a lot of bands back then.  I forgot his name, but there's a book about the guy.
Wow
Argh! {#Crashcomp}

Vusi Mahlasela and Habib Koité dance with Dobet Gnahoré (right) 
 nalle wrote:


What about the music? I think it´s great, nice sound .{#Good-vibes}
 
let it go. it's the only positive comment he's ever made

Opening acapella bit—

Paolo Nutini: separated at birth.
 Papernapkin wrote:
I like the photography, typography, design, and color of the album art.
 

What about the music? I think it´s great, nice sound .{#Good-vibes}
I like the photography, typography, design, and color of the album art.
MOR with didacticism. Ho-hum.
 fookmyoldboots wrote:
It was ok until he sounded like someone kicked him in the nuts!
 
{#Lol}

Nice handle, mate :)

ho hum... mediocre
I agree; this is African pop more than anything.  It's actually the music South African Airways plays over its PA system while boarding passengers.  I flew back n' forth to Jo'burg a few times last year and always recall enjoying the tune as I packed myself into economy class for back2back 8-9 hour flights.


African pop always brings a smile to my face.  {#Daisy}
That was the moment I started paying attention.  Cool in my opinion :)

 fookmyoldboots wrote:
It was ok until he sounded like someone kicked him in the nuts!
 


It was ok until he sounded like someone kicked him in the nuts!
 garthwb wrote:


Nor I the word "America" in every second moment... Nor can I become accustomed to being forced to swallow American Imperial Culture with every second mouthful. Don't get me wrong, I love hamburgers and hotdogs, and it's a beautiful place I'm sure, but perhaps if you knew a little more about MY continent, you'd understand why he, and so many others sing so joyously about it being freed from the kind of cultural and imperial legacy that is still so pervasive on that continent, and why Afrikan (sic) people love Afrika so much, and prefer to call it Afrika. If you're not American, I didn't just assume you were, and I mean no offence, but stop listening only for what sounds pleasing to your ear, JUST LISTEN, the whole WORLD is talking to you, all the time.
 

Word.
Wow, this is more annoying than Youssou N'Dour, and the bar is set pretty high.
 garthwb wrote:
Nor I the word "America" in every second moment... Nor can I become accustomed to being forced to swallow American Imperial Culture with every second mouthful. Don't get me wrong, I love hamburgers and hotdogs, and it's a beautiful place I'm sure, but perhaps if you knew a little more about MY continent, you'd understand why he, and so many others sing so joyously about it being freed from the kind of cultural and imperial legacy that is still so pervasive on that continent, and why Afrikan (sic) people love Afrika so much, and prefer to call it Afrika. If you're not American, I didn't just assume you were, and I mean no offence, but stop listening only for what sounds pleasing to your ear, JUST LISTEN, the whole WORLD is talking to you, all the time.
 
Wooaaa... chill dude....

TheKing2 wrote:
can't get used to the word "Afrika" in every odd sentence.
Nor I the word "America" in every second moment... Nor can I become accustomed to being forced to swallow American Imperial Culture with every second mouthful. Don't get me wrong, I love hamburgers and hotdogs, and it's a beautiful place I'm sure, but perhaps if you knew a little more about MY continent, you'd understand why he, and so many others sing so joyously about it being freed from the kind of cultural and imperial legacy that is still so pervasive on that continent, and why Afrikan (sic) people love Afrika so much, and prefer to call it Afrika. If you're not American, I didn't just assume you were, and I mean no offence, but stop listening only for what sounds pleasing to your ear, JUST LISTEN, the whole WORLD is talking to you, all the time.
can't get used to the word "Afrika" in every odd sentence.
no thanks, i'm not interested
Ain't NOTHING generic bout any bit of this marvelous piece. donpdonp wrote:
agreed. at the start of the song i was all excited for something new with a strong african beat and singing. instead it got really generic sounding. bouncy and fun, but generic.
MojoJojo wrote:
He was heading for an "outstanding" with the opening solo bit - then he slid to "pretty good" with the rest of it. Still nice tho
agreed. at the start of the song i was all excited for something new with a strong african beat and singing. instead it got really generic sounding. bouncy and fun, but generic.
Lovin' this. I think I was born the wrong colour...
MojoJojo wrote:
He was heading for an "outstanding" with the opening solo bit - then he slid to "pretty good" with the rest of it. Still nice tho
heh funny, I thought the opposite.
After hearing this live just a few weeks ago, I have a whole new appreciation for it.
Zweiblumen wrote:
No, but I come here for variety, not to hear the same stuff day in and day out. Any song that I notice as being played too much will annoy me. Seriously, I think no song should be repeated in any given week here.
I have to agree, this was a different song, but have heard it way way too much here, to the point where the more I hear it the lower the rating goes. I am down to a 2 now it has been played so much.
oh this is worth turning louder... as to Paul Simon, whom i adore, whatever ripping off may have been done was surely by done by the little white guy, yes?
He was heading for an "outstanding" with the opening solo bit - then he slid to "pretty good" with the rest of it. Still nice tho
srbarry wrote:
Jeez, I hate when people rip off Paul Simon.
An exceptional skewering of Mr. Simon's musical stripmining techniques can be had at the web site of folk musician John Forster: https://www.johnforster.com/FUSION.html (Note, however, that you really need to listen to the song. Some of the gags are in the music.)
JW2 wrote:
You shouldn't penalize the song because it frequently appears on the playlist. That hardly seems fair to me.
No, but I come here for variety, not to hear the same stuff day in and day out. Any song that I notice as being played too much will annoy me. Seriously, I think no song should be repeated in any given week here.
srbarry wrote:
Jeez, I hate when people rip off Paul Simon.
hey, I thought it was funny :D">
srbarry wrote:
Jeez, I hate when people rip off Paul Simon.
Hahaahahahahahahahahahahah.....hahahahahahahaha! wait.....were you serious?!? For reals? HahahAHAAHAHAHAHAH!
pyxxel wrote:
I felt the same... thought "Must be hard to sing, cuz it's bloody hard to listen to" - not everything that requires a lot of effort and talent actually produces something likeable.
Some people just have a hard time listening beyond their comfort zone.
GREAT!!!!!!!!
NO!!!!!! Not again!!?! Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pyxxel wrote:
I felt the same... thought "Must be hard to sing, cuz it's bloody hard to listen to" - not everything that requires a lot of effort and talent actually produces something likeable.
Come on, now, the guy's got a great voice. What in particular don't you like about his voice on this track? The melody? The tremolo? The falsetto? The accent? This is a good song, but definitely not the best on the disc, in my opinion. I also prefer "Silang Mabele" to this CD.
AphidA wrote:
That voice in the beginning is annoying as hell
I felt the same... thought "Must be hard to sing, cuz it's bloody hard to listen to" - not everything that requires a lot of effort and talent actually produces something likeable.
That voice in the beginning is annoying as hell
... The Voice ...
lester wrote:
Check your sense of humor.
everyone knows that there are only 5 senses! jeez...
olsaltybastard wrote:
I have that CD and recognized the voice right away.
Soulshine is probably my favorite tune! Warren is God!!!!!!
Jive wrote:
Check your facts - Paul Simon arrived in South Africa in the '80's and saw an opportunity to build off an existing and thriving musical tradition. You could say it was Paul Simon who 'ripped off' South Africa!
Check your sense of humor.
srbarry wrote:
Jeez, I hate when people rip off Paul Simon.
Check your facts - Paul Simon arrived in South Africa in the '80's and saw an opportunity to build off an existing and thriving musical tradition. You could say it was Paul Simon who 'ripped off' South Africa!
freeone1 wrote:
He sings with Warren Haynes on "Soulshine" a live recording I have from Bonnarro a few years back I think. It's out of this world! Talented folks!
I have that CD and recognized the voice right away.
srbarry wrote:
Jeez, I hate when people rip off Paul Simon.
Insert your own irony joke here __________________
He sings with Warren Haynes on "Soulshine" a live recording I have from Bonnarro a few years back I think. It's out of this world! Talented folks!
After hearing this song on RP I downloaded the album and love it! Give it a couple of listens and Vusi's voice and creativity really grow on you. Thanks Bill & RP for always providing dynamic and eclectic music selections! Happy Holidays all!
Jeez, I hate when people rip off Paul Simon.
god is this an all repeat day? i keep hearing the same old songs on RP
you know, it's been a long time since i've heard this one. i quite enjoyed it this time. i was ringing the bells when it came back. beating the drums, also. :) from 3 up to 7.
Nice.
One of my , originally laballed, 'Subtitle Songs'. S-L-O-W-L-Y making it's way up the ratings... Who knew? RP grows on ya.
Not digging this
crowhog2000 wrote:
I just returned from vacation in South Africa a short time ago and I highly agree with you!!!
I used to live in Waterkloof (suburb of Pretoria). Brings back a lot of memories.
Nice one.
Chris, Natalie and Jeff are listening to this song from Afghanistan, having a glass of wine and grooving to the African sounds. Great song!
Africa, she too can cry...
janeanger wrote:
anything that reminds me of my trip to south africa is good in my book. i like this a lot.
I just returned from vacation in South Africa a short time ago and I highly agree with you!!!
anything that reminds me of my trip to south africa is good in my book. i like this a lot.
masterhead wrote:
So is intolerance ok for you?
In DownHomeGirl's defense, I don't see the jump you make from a simple comment to "intolerance." In other news, I like the song.
DownHomeGirl wrote:
OK song, appreciate having it in the playlist ....had to just now log in and give it a 3, though... I just hear it way too much here. Use this one in moderation, please. Reminds me of the corporate music tapes they send to Pier 1 stores...I'm pretty sure this one is on there. Like two or three times a year would be OK! Regular rotation? Not OK!
You shouldn't penalize the song because it frequently appears on the playlist. That hardly seems fair to me.
DownHomeGirl wrote:
OK song, appreciate having it in the playlist ....had to just now log in and give it a 3, though... I just hear it way too much here. Use this one in moderation, please. Reminds me of the corporate music tapes they send to Pier 1 stores...I'm pretty sure this one is on there. Like two or three times a year would be OK! Regular rotation? Not OK!
So is intolerance ok for you?
OK song, appreciate having it in the playlist ....had to just now log in and give it a 3, though... I just hear it way too much here. Use this one in moderation, please. Reminds me of the corporate music tapes they send to Pier 1 stores...I'm pretty sure this one is on there. Like two or three times a year would be OK! Regular rotation? Not OK!
On the album cover, the dude looks like Aires Speers / MAD TV.
Pyro wrote:
This guy listened to a lot of Paul Simon.
peedee wrote:
you've really hit the nail on the head just like woody listened to a lot of dylan
:highfive:
AFRIKA. This is one great jam. One of the better interpritations.
Pyro wrote:
This guy listened to a lot of Paul Simon.
you've really hit the nail on the head just like woody listened to a lot of dylan
Pyro wrote:
This guy listened to a lot of Paul Simon.
and Paul Simon listened to a lot of Abba, go figure!!
This guy listened to a lot of Paul Simon.
What a joke. Amazingly bad. 1/10
This song has a such a nice feel to it...reminds me some of Johnny Clegg and his bands (Jaluka/Savuka).
ad4tise wrote:
Sounds like some evil tribal song.
You'd better stick with Jesus Radio!
newfff wrote:
I'm happy you're American too.
Go back to the Ozarks.
home_star wrote:
...I'm happy im American :D
I'm happy you're American too.
reminds me South Africa. The country where you feel your soul getting higher ! :propeller.gif:
Jimi_Zep wrote:
come on honestly, is what he said really bigotry? He just doesn't like this music... maybe we need to look up the defintion of bigotry, it doesn't say not liking the Lion King qualifies you a bigot.
How can that statement be interpreted as anything but bigoted! It's obvious to anyone who reads such a comment that he is harboring a deep prejudice against all lions. He probably thinks any animal with thicker hair around the neck area can all be lumped into the same category. There is no room for that here in Paradise man...we view all animals equally!
There is really something in this west African folk-pop music that lifts my spirits high in the sky. It must be the positive, melodic vibes. Thanks RP! :D
Paul Simon's Graceland and Ladysmith Black Mambazo have carved an appreciation for South African music in my heart. This is especially rhythmic and uplifting--Love it!
philarktos wrote:
I'm getting tired of just about anything that sounds like bigotry and intolerance tarted up to sound clever.
You may want to be more circumspect with your comments, lest you invite far more criticism and scorn (expressed or thought) than Beelzebubba ever has with any of his / her postings. Just a word to the wise.
That guy has an impressive set of pipes.
Nice rythm!
ad4tise wrote:
Sounds like some evil tribal song.
??WTF?? evil? get your head out of your ass the ground(I'm trying to be nice)
Sounds like some evil tribal song.
this is pretty flat and uninteresting. i'm all for world music every now and then, but it still has to meet the same standards as any other genre or style of music. just because it "comes from somewhere else" does not automatically make it any good.
Enjoyable!
Jimi_Zep wrote:
come on honestly, is what he said really bigotry? He just doesn't like this music... maybe we need to look up the defintion of bigotry, it doesn't say not liking the Lion King qualifies you a bigot.
The comment was actually written with a whole history of this particular poster's cheap shots in mind. Intolerant of other cultures certainly. Bigoted ? On the face of this comment, unproven, but it would likely get a laugh from bigots as well as folks who simply don't care for "The Lion King".
philarktos wrote:
I'm getting tired of just about anything that sounds like bigotry and intolerance tarted up to sound clever.
come on honestly, is what he said really bigotry? He just doesn't like this music... maybe we need to look up the defintion of bigotry, it doesn't say not liking the Lion King qualifies you a bigot.
This is a great tune and if you tired of "Lion King" music, maybe you should delve a little deeper into the long heritage of African music before dismissing it all so nonchalantly.
beelzebubba wrote:
I'm getting tired of just about anything that sounds like the Lion King soundtrack......
I'm getting tired of just about anything that sounds like bigotry and intolerance tarted up to sound clever.
beelzebubba wrote:
I'm getting tired of just about anything that sounds like the Lion King soundtrack......
hahaha. i know the feeling!
Nice song. There, I said it. Now would you please stop playing it over and over again?
PattonFever wrote:
wow. i'm very tired of this song. thanks.
I'm getting tired of just about anything that sounds like the Lion King soundtrack......
home_star wrote:
speaking of Conan O'Brien...i love Dave Matthews Band :D
Interesting you mention Dave Matthews. Dave is South African, just like this guy. Good tune, btw.
wow. i'm very tired of this song. thanks. :roll:
Hugh Masekela next please...
philarktos wrote:
Sheeesh ! "who's ripping off who" ? Why do people want to go there ? Does it make people feel more important to point this kind of finger ? This is a South African musician. Paul Simon has worked with South African musicians. Sound similar ? Congratulations !
:-) Great song.