ATO Signs Vusi Mahlasela

By Waldo Jaquith
ATO Records has apparently signed South African musician Vusi Mahlasela, according to an offhand reference on ATO Records' website. The 38-year-old Mahlasela is well-known in his native country for his guitar and singing, but most Americans know him only for his vocal work on the title track from Everyday. Mahlasela has released three albums to date; ATO intends to release his fourth, the first available in the United States, this May. He will also be featured prominently on the soundtrack to ATO Productions' film, Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony, which features him on five of the twenty-eight tracks. That disc is scheduled for release on February 17th. Mahlasela is ATO Records' sixth artist since the company was launched in early 2000 by Coran Capshaw, Dave Matthews, Michael McDonald and Chris Tetzeli. Thanks to Matt Casey for the tip.