EDITORIAL: Johnny Clegg — loss of a grand unifier
Watching a performance with Clegg and his bands, Juluka and Savuka, was an anthropological journey – a vibrant tour of SA culture, music, instruments and dance
White boys dancing with ties on their heads at weddings, black South Africans impressed by his idiomatic Zulu, French fans who flocked to their local venues to see Le Zoulou Blanc — Johnny Clegg was loved by just about everyone.The 66-year-old musician passed away this week after a long fight with pancreatic cancer. The country knew it was coming. He’d spent the last few years on a final tour celebrating his long career, but his death prompted an outpouring of love and thanks across social media and news sites.A Joburg boy, Clegg learnt maskandi guitar and isishameni dance from migrant workers on the rooftops of the racially segregated apartment blocks of the apartheid-era city.It’s no surprise that Clegg studied anthropology before making singing a full-time gig. Watching a performance with Clegg and his bands, Juluka and Savuka, was an anthropological journey in itself — a vibrant tour of SA culture, music, instruments and dance.His music went a long way to bridging racial divid...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.