Johnny Clegg to thank fans with last world tour
THE legendary Johnny Clegg is calling it a day and will no longer perform to sold-out audiences after wowing the world with a vibrant blend of Western pop and African rhythms for more than four decades.
His final world tour, The Final Journey, will begin in South Africa in July with Cape Town on July 1 and Johannesburg on July 7 and 8, before hitting Durban’s shores at the ICC Arena on July 29. International tour dates in London and Dubai have been confirmed for August 19 and late September respectively, while dates for Europe, Australia and the US have yet to be finalised.
Clegg will step out of the spotlight on world stages with a legacy including hits such as Scatterlings, Impi, Asimbonanga and Jongosi.
“I am just playing my last public shows as a thank you to my fans. I will still be active in music, in writing music and finishing my autobiography, and I will take on a few private engagements,” Clegg told our sister paper The Sunday Tribune.
“I will miss the interaction with my fans. It’s always good to be on stage and make that instant connection. It is the most gratifying feeling,” said Clegg.
While he made sure he always entertained packed stadiums around the world, the past few years have not been easy as he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer four years ago.
“There were times when it was tough but we never missed or cancelled one show in 18 months, though I must admit at times it was hard. I just had to stay focused and healthy, which I did, and I am in remission now,” said Clegg.
Out of the many performances Clegg has performed across the world, he said his home performances – referring to South Africa – topped the list.
“My most meaningful concerts have most probably been here in South Africa, performing at Ellis Park to over 100 000 people of all races for the first time, and the 46664 concert in Cape Town when the entire audience sang Asimbonanga with me.
“But I also had a few very special moments in other countries, in the UK, France, Germany, especially when Nelson Mandela came on stage when I was singing Asimbonanga,” said Clegg.
Tickets for the South African leg of the tour are available at Computicket.