Acclaimed musicians, Vusi Mahlasela and Guy Buttery, are set to share a stage for the first time in a special double-bill celebrating more than two decades of musical friendship, collaboration and mutual admiration.
The pair’s musical relationship stretches back 20 years and has unfolded in remarkable decade-long chapters. Now, that relationship enters a new phase as the internationally acclaimed artists bring their collaboration to live audiences for the first time.
Mahlasela and Buttery will perform at Holy Trinity Church in Kalk Bay, Cape Town, on September 17, followed by performances at Slave Church in Cape Town on September 19 and 20.
They will then take the show to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, performing at the Schlesinger Theatre at Michaelhouse School on October 24 and 25.
Their story began in 2006, when Buttery contributed guitar and mandolin to Mahlasela’s album "Naledi Ya Tsela", which also featured vocals by American singer-songwriter Dave Matthews. A decade later, Mahlasela returned the favour, lending his distinctive voice to two tracks on Buttery’s self-titled 2016 album.
The collaborations brought together two contrasting but complementary musical languages: Buttery’s intricate and highly technical acoustic guitar playing and Mahlasela’s unmistakable voice, poetic songwriting and deeply rooted South African folk tradition.
Now, another 10 years on, the musicians are reuniting — this time away from the recording studio and in front of a live audience.
Both artists will perform solo selections from their extensive catalogues before joining forces for a series of duets and collaborative pieces.
Buttery, who lives in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, said he was particularly excited about taking their collaboration into a live performance setting.
"I am looking forward to the shows. Previously all our collaborations were in the confines of a recording studio. Ten years later we have been asked to join forces again but for the first time in a live setting.
"It is exciting to be working with him in a performance space. There's going to be some surprises. We are chipping away at a bunch of old tunes together, as well as playing respective solo sets. We will each do a few solo sets and collaborate together at the end. It is a meeting of two worlds," said Buttery.
For Buttery, Mahlasela’s music is distinguished not only by his voice, but by the emotional and philosophical weight of his songwriting.
“His lyrics are integral to his creative output,” Buttery said, describing Mahlasela’s vocal presence as renowned around the world for its messages of kindness, forgiveness and understanding.
Buttery has established his own international reputation as an acoustic guitarist, composer and multi-instrumentalist. His music combines intricate fingerstyle guitar with South African traditions, African influences and global textures.
His career has taken him to stages across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Brazil and Italy.
At 18, Buttery became the youngest nominee in South African music awards history, earning nominations for best newcomer and best instrumental. He has since won two SAMAs, multiple Ovation Awards and, in 2018, the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award.
He has collaborated with artists including Dave Matthews, Jethro Tull, Mahlasela, Will Ackerman, Salif Keita, Kaki King and Jon Gomm, and has performed his work with the 52-piece KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.
Mahlasela, affectionately known across South Africa as “The Voice”, has spent decades creating music rooted in South Africa’s cultural and political journey.
Raised in Mamelodi, Mahlasela taught himself to play guitar and began performing at an early age. His career gained prominence with his debut album, "When You Come Back", and in 1994 he was invited to perform at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.
He went on to build an acclaimed international career, sharing stages with artists including Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Paul Simon, Josh Groban, Ray LaMontagne, Natalie Merchant and Taj Mahal. In 2003, Matthews signed him to ATO Records, helping introduce his music to audiences across North America.
Mahlasela has released nine albums, including "Shebeen Queen", a celebration of the musical culture of his hometown.
His achievements have been recognised with a South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, two honorary doctorates and the National Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution to South African music and his role in highlighting the injustices of apartheid.
For audiences, the upcoming concerts offer something that has never before been seen: two musicians whose creative paths have crossed repeatedly over two decades finally bringing that musical conversation to the stage.
taschica.pillay@nationalmg.co.za