Vusimuzi Shabalala was born in Madadeni in Newcastle, Natal, one of five brothers brought up in a Christian family, all singers.
He started playing organ in his church in Natal and then moved to Johannesburg where he finished high school.
He went on to study music and piano for two years at Fuba Music School but owing to financial difficulties was unable to complete his third year there.
In 2001, he traveled to Boston to play piano for a friend of his and stayed there a month before returning to South Africa, where he formed a group called Mecsa Sounds of Praise. He held the position of voice trainer and musical director under Peter Mbuli.
Vusi has worked with local gospel star Benjamin Dube, as well as the Grace Choir, Thembinkosi Booi, and Lundi Tyamara for their show at Grace Bible Church in September 2001.
