Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

South Africa

Birth

:

June 7, 1953 in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England

Death

:

July 16, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Genre

:

Film

 

Johnny Clegg was a South African musician and composer who was born on June 7, 1953, in Bacup, Lancashire, England. His parents were both immigrants from Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and they moved to South Africa when Clegg was a child. Clegg grew up in Johannesburg and was exposed to a variety of musical styles, including Zulu traditional music, jazz, and rock and roll. Clegg's interest in music began at an early age, and he started playing guitar when he was a teenager. He was particularly drawn to the music of the Zulu people, and he began studying their traditional music and dance. In the early 1970s, Clegg formed a band called Juluka with Sipho Mchunu, a Zulu musician. The band blended traditional Zulu music with Western rock and roll, creating a unique sound that was both innovative and deeply rooted in South African culture. Juluka's first album, "Universal Men," was released in 1979 and was a critical and commercial success. The album featured songs in both English and Zulu, and it showcased Clegg's talent as a songwriter and performer. The band's second album, "African Litany," was released in 1981 and was even more successful than their debut. The album featured the hit single "Impi," which became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. In 1986, Clegg formed a new band called Savuka, which continued to blend traditional Zulu music with Western rock and roll. The band's first album, "Third World Child," was released in 1987 and was a huge success both in South Africa and internationally. The album featured the hit single "Asimbonanga," which was a tribute to Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists who were imprisoned on Robben Island. Clegg continued to release albums with Savuka throughout the 1990s, including "Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World" (1989), "Heat, Dust and Dreams" (1993), and "New World Survivor" (1996). The band's music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of reggae, funk, and world music. Clegg's songwriting also became more introspective, exploring themes of identity, spirituality, and social justice. In addition to his work as a musician, Clegg was also a prominent anti-apartheid activist. He was an outspoken critic of the apartheid regime and used his music to raise awareness about the injustices of the system. He performed at numerous anti-apartheid rallies and concerts, and his music became a symbol of resistance and hope for many South Africans. Clegg's music has had a lasting impact on South African culture and has influenced countless musicians around the world. His unique blend of traditional Zulu music and Western rock and roll has inspired a new generation of South African musicians, and his commitment to social justice and human rights has made him a beloved figure in his home country and beyond. Sadly, Johnny Clegg passed away on July 16, 2019, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 66 years old. Despite his passing, his music continues to inspire and uplift people around the world, and his legacy as a musician, activist, and cultural icon will live on for generations to come.

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