The Voice
Those who have heard theAmandla!soundtrack will no doubt remember South African singer Vusi Mahlasela. His passionate, octave-leaping voice on "When   You Come Back" sets a tone for the album, which adeptly documents the political and social music surrounding Nelson Mandela and the movement he led. In   fact, Mahlasela actually sang at Mandela's inauguration, having been a veteran of many ANC rallies as well as a popular music figure. Signed by Dave Matthews   to Ato, Mahlasela first domestic release collects 14 songs from his five South African albums. Some ofThe Voice's songs have a glossy world music sheen that   isn't far from Peter Gabriel's recent work, but the album is balanced by songs in the more traditional and acoustic vein. Highlights include the bluesy "Red Song,"   which tells the story of three friends taking up arms for apartheid, the moody "Troubadour," and "Fountain," where Mahlasela’s vocal gymnastics will thrill fans of   Youssou N'Dour. This is a must for fans of African pop music.--Tad Hendrickson