Vusi Mahlasela

It takes a pretty decent artist to overcome what can only be described as smooth jazz shortcomings. But Mahlasela, a top-notch South African singer-songwriter, does that on The Voice. Even when some of the sax solos have you rolling your eyes, Mahlasela's sure melodic sense and stunning falsetto usually rescue the songs. South African writer Nadine Gordimer wrote that Mahlasela sings "in total response to being alive." High praise, indeed. Listen and judge for yourselves.