Jonathan Paul Clegg, known as Johnny Clegg, was a renowned South African musician, singer-songwriter, dancer, anthropologist, and anti-apartheid activist. Nicknamed “Le Zoulou Blanc” (The White Zulu), Clegg was a pivotal figure in South African music and a prominent white voice against apartheid.
Jonathan Paul Clegg
Clegg formed his first musical duo, Johnny & Sipho, with Sipho Mchunu, releasing their first single “Woza Friday” in 1976. This partnership evolved into the band Juluka, which debuted with the album “Universal Men” in 1979. In 1986, he founded Savuka, blending African and European musical influences, and also recorded as a solo artist
Early Life and Career
- Born: 7 June 1953 in Bacup, Lancashire, England.
- Moved: To Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) as an infant and later to South Africa.
- Influences: Grew up in Yeoville, Johannesburg, where he immersed himself in Zulu music and dance.
- Education: Earned a BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Musical Ventures
- Johnny & Sipho: Early musical duo with Sipho Mchunu, leading to the formation of Juluka.
- Juluka: Formed in 1979, the band blended Zulu and Western music. Faced harassment under apartheid but gained international acclaim.
- Savuka: Formed in 1986, continued Clegg’s fusion of African and Western music. Achieved global success with albums like “Third World Child” and “Heat, Dust and Dreams.”
- Solo Career: Released multiple solo albums and continued to perform internationally.
Notable Contributions
- Political Influence: His music often contained anti-apartheid messages, leading to frequent arrests and harassment.
- Recognition: Awarded the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres (France), the Order of Ikhamanga (South Africa), and an OBE (UK). Received several honorary doctorates.
- Legacy: Known for songs like “Asimbonanga,” dedicated to Nelson Mandela, and collaborations with Mandela on stage.
Discography
Juluka:
- 1979: Universal Men
- 1981: African Litany
- 1982: Ubuhle Bemvelo
- 1982: Scatterlings
- 1983: Work For All
- 1984: Stand Your Ground
- 1984: Musa Ukungilandela
- 1984: The International Tracks
- 1986: Juluka Live: The Good Hope Concerts
- 1991: The Best of Juluka
- 1992: South Africa 9
- 1996: Putumayo Presents A Johnny Clegg & Juluka Collection
- 1997: Crocodile Love
Savuka:
- 1986: Johnny Clegg and Savuka EP
- 1987: Third World Child
- 1988: Shadow Man
- 1989: Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World
- 1993: Heat, Dust and Dreams
- 2001: Live and Rarities
Solo:
- 1985: Third World Child
- 2002: New World Survivor
- 2003: A South African Story – Live at the Nelson Mandela Theatre
- 2006: One Life
- 2010: Human
- 2010: My Favourite Zulu Street Guitar Songs
- 2014: Best, Live & Unplugged: Clegg at the Baxter Theatre Cape Town
- 2017: King of Time
Compilation:
- 2008: Power of One: the Songs of Johnny Clegg
DVD:
- 2003: Johnny Clegg Live at the Nelson Mandela Theatre
- 2004: Live! and more…
- 2010: Johnny Clegg 30th Anniversary Concert at Emmarentia Dam
Awards and Honors
- Multiple honorary doctorates (Witwatersrand, City University of New York, Dartmouth College, KwaZulu-Natal).
- Order of Ikhamanga, Silver.
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Personal Life and Death
- Family: Survived by his wife, Jenny, and two sons, Jesse and Jaron.
- Illness: Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015.
- Death: Passed away on 16 July 2019 in Johannesburg.
Johnny Clegg’s legacy endures through his music and his impact on the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.