Johnny Clegg (7 June 1953 – 16 July 2019) was a South African musician, anthropologist, activist, and one of the most influential figures in South African music. Known as “The White Zulu” for his deep connection to Zulu culture, Clegg is best remembered for his groundbreaking fusion of Zulu traditional music and Western rock. Through his work with bands like Juluka and Savuka, Clegg not only made a lasting impact on the South African music scene but also used his platform to challenge the apartheid regime and promote unity across racial lines. His music became a powerful form of resistance and celebration of cultural diversity in one of the world’s most racially segregated societies.
Early Life and Introduction to Zulu Culture
Johnny Clegg was born in Bacup, England, but moved to South Africa at the age of six, following his mother’s remarriage to a South African journalist. Growing up in Johannesburg, Clegg was exposed to the harsh realities of apartheid, which deeply influenced his views on race, culture, and identity.
As a teenager, Clegg developed a fascination with Zulu culture and music. He was particularly drawn to Maskandi, a traditional Zulu music genre that features storytelling and intricate guitar work. This interest led him to explore the townships of Johannesburg, where he befriended Sipho Mchunu, a Zulu migrant worker and musician. Mchunu became Clegg’s mentor and collaborator, teaching him traditional Zulu dance and guitar techniques. This unlikely friendship would go on to shape the course of both their lives and mark the beginning of a remarkable musical partnership.
The Formation of Juluka
In the mid-1970s, Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu formed the band Juluka (which means “sweat” in Zulu), becoming one of the first interracial musical collaborations in South Africa. At the time, apartheid laws strictly prohibited racial mixing, and Juluka’s formation was a bold act of defiance. Their music blended traditional Zulu rhythms and sounds with Western rock, creating a unique fusion that had never been heard before. It was a blend of two worlds—traditional African music and modern Western pop—that resonated deeply with audiences, both locally and abroad.
Juluka’s debut album, “Universal Men” (1979), was met with critical acclaim and quickly established the band as pioneers of a new genre. The album’s themes of migrant labor, cultural displacement, and social justice struck a chord with many South Africans, particularly black listeners who identified with the struggles depicted in the music. Despite censorship from the apartheid government, Juluka gained popularity and became a symbol of resistance against the regime’s oppressive policies.
Juluka’s subsequent albums, including “African Litany” (1981) and “Scatterlings of Africa” (1982), solidified their place in music history. “Scatterlings of Africa,” in particular, became an international hit, introducing the world to Clegg’s unique sound. The song’s powerful lyrics about African identity, diaspora, and migration resonated far beyond South Africa’s borders, making it one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
Musical and Social Impact of Juluka
Juluka was more than just a band; it was a cultural force that challenged the status quo in South Africa. At a time when the apartheid government sought to divide the nation along racial lines, Clegg and Mchunu’s partnership symbolized the possibility of unity and understanding across those divides. Their concerts, often held in defiance of apartheid laws, brought together black and white audiences in a way that was rare during that era.
The band’s music was not just a fusion of styles; it was a fusion of worldviews. Their lyrics, often written in both Zulu and English, explored themes of cultural pride, identity, and the struggles of everyday life under apartheid. Juluka’s music was a celebration of Zulu culture, but it also embraced a vision of a non-racial, inclusive future for South Africa.
Despite the apartheid regime’s attempts to silence them—banning their music from radio and prohibiting mixed-race performances—Juluka continued to gain popularity, both in South Africa and internationally. Their success showed that music could be a powerful tool for social change, and Clegg became a leading voice in the fight against apartheid.
Transition to Savuka and International Success
In 1985, Sipho Mchunu left Juluka to return to his rural home, and Johnny Clegg went on to form a new band, Savuka (meaning “We have risen”). Savuka continued Clegg’s tradition of fusing Zulu music with Western styles, but with a more explicitly political message. The band’s music addressed the injustices of apartheid head-on, with songs about exile, freedom, and resistance.
Savuka’s debut album, “Third World Child” (1987), was a massive success, both in South Africa and abroad. The album included the hit song “Asimbonanga” (We have not seen him), which was a tribute to Nelson Mandela, who was still imprisoned at the time. The song became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement and was banned in South Africa. Despite this, it gained international recognition, further raising awareness of South Africa’s political situation.
Savuka’s follow-up album, “Shadow Man” (1988), continued the band’s success, and Clegg’s music became increasingly popular in Europe and North America. Savuka embarked on several world tours, spreading their message of unity, resistance, and cultural pride to global audiences. The band’s ability to fuse African rhythms with pop, rock, and reggae elements made their sound accessible to a broad audience while still maintaining its South African roots.
Legacy and Later Life
After the end of apartheid and the democratic transition in South Africa in the early 1990s, Johnny Clegg continued to make music and tour around the world. Although he eventually reunited with Sipho Mchunu for a brief Juluka revival in the 1990s, Clegg’s solo career flourished. He remained a beloved figure in South African music, known not only for his musical contributions but also for his activism and his role in bridging cultural divides.
Clegg’s work extended beyond music; he was also an anthropologist and academic, with a deep interest in Zulu culture. His understanding of and respect for Zulu traditions was evident in his music, which celebrated the richness and complexity of African culture while advocating for a more inclusive, non-racial South African society.
Johnny Clegg passed away in 2019 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world, as fans, musicians, and political leaders recognized his immense contribution to both South African music and the fight against apartheid.
Conclusion
Johnny Clegg’s legacy as “The White Zulu” is one of cultural bridge-building, musical innovation, and political activism. His work with Juluka and Savuka transformed South African music by fusing traditional Zulu sounds with Western rock, creating a genre that transcended racial and cultural barriers. More than just a musician, Clegg used his platform to challenge apartheid, promote unity, and celebrate the richness of South African culture.
Clegg’s life and music continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists who see in him the power of music to bring about social change. His ability to navigate complex cultural landscapes, while maintaining a strong sense of identity and purpose, has left an indelible mark on South Africa and the world. Johnny Clegg will forever be remembered as a musical pioneer, a cultural icon, and a hero in the fight for justice and equality.