Not only did Johnny Clegg help put South African music on the map, he also used his voice to make a statement against apartheid, through his songs and by the formation of South Africa's first mixed-raced band. His ability to speak different African languages such as Zulu & Xhosa fluently continues to make him an example of the new South Africa for both black and white people in SA.
Johnny Clegg - born in Rochdale, England - was a baby when his parents decided to leave the United Kingdom for Zimbabwe and Zambia. At the age of nine, the Clegg family immigrated to South Africa. Moving out on his own at age 14, Johnny met a Zulu street guitarist who introduced the young boy to the Zulu culture. The white Johnny Clegg Clegg became so caught up in this new world that he was made an adopted son of a Zulu chief and an epic example of.
The experiences in his young life, his fascination and participation in the Zulu society later all came back in Clegg's musical career. Many of his songs have very strong Zulu musical and vocal. No need to explain why Johnny Clegg is also known as the White Zulu.
In the early 1970's Johnny Clegg gave a kick-start to his musical career by forming the band Juluka with Sipho Mchunu. Meanwhile, they made history: Juluka was South Africa's first mixed-race band. Back in the apartheid days when interracial interaction was prohibited, this was groundbreaking. And quite difficult: Clegg and Mchunu constantly had to deal with racial abuse, threats of violence, police harassment and violent concert shutdowns. Due to the apartheid laws, places to perform were limited and Juluka had to stick to the street or private venues such as churches and university halls.
The many difficulties and obstacles made Clegg and Mchunu decide to each go their own ways. In 1986 Juluka was no more. Mchunu went back to his farm in Zululand while Clegg, who could not give up his love for music, formed Savuka.
Two years Savuka and Clegg released their debut album Third World Child, which sold over 1 million records within the first two years. In an incredible moment on the album and singles charts, SAVUKA held the number 1 and number 2 position on the album charts with the 1st and second album at the same time, and on the singles charts held the number 1 and number 7 position with their singles " Asimbonanga " and "Scatterlings of Africa".
Despite their success - including many international awards - Savuka split up in 1994, the year South Africa officially regained its freedom. Shortly after, Clegg and Mchunu decided to revive Juluka, to great joy of their old fans.
Until this day, Clegg and Juluka are performing on a regular basis, all across South Africa. Keep an eye out for the Baxter Theatre or the Appletizer concerts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and don't forget to check the events calendar of CapeTownMagazine.com.
Source: Miriam Mannak / Cape Town Magazine.com
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