Tributes to Johnny Clegg
TENS of thousands of fans from this region are among the millions worldwide who mourn the death of SA music legend, Johnny Clegg.
That his passing should overlap with the week of Mandela Day activities is a fitting coincidence.
Between them, the two global icons did more to unite the people of this country and to remove racial barriers than could ever have been imagined.
Clegg lived what Madiba taught, and the ‘White Zulu’ in 1986 penned the song Asimbonanga (‘We have not seen him’), which moved many to look deeper into events linked to the Robben Island prisoners of apartheid.
But for many, it was the music that mattered most, and there are plenty of local artists who unashamedly based their styles on Clegg and his bands, Savuka and Juluka.
Fans of NFD winners Thanda Royal Zulu will remember his song ‘Impi’ blasting out at the uMhlathuze Stadium as the teams ran onto the field, inspiring the Amabubesi to greater heights.
The good memories remain with us.
Tribute from renowned local maskandi artist David Jenkins (Qadasi)
With my parents having introduced me to Johnny’s music at a young age, I was inspired by his unique fusion of traditional Zulu and western music styles.
Together with other maskandi greats, Johnny became one of my musical mentors.
Having met with him on a number of occasions in recent years, his encouragement and support has been of immense value in the growth of my music career.
His contribution to the music industry, as well as to social cohesion, will forever be an inspiration, not only to me but also to South Africa and the world.
Lala ngoxolo, ghawe lethu! Tribute from adventurer/explorer, Kingsley Holgate
Travel well ‘Great Heart’.
Johnny, you brought us hope, joy, reconciliation and a sense of pride and nationhood.
You might have ‘crossed’ mfowethu, but through your indomitable spirit, your music will live with us forever.
So many lasting memories: on stage with you at the ICC at the end of an expedition, you performing in the Great Hut at Shakaland, and sharing Zulu stories around the campfire at night with Barry Leitch and friends.
Siyabonga and thanks for enriching our lives. On our next journey, your music will continue to blast from the Land Rovers, and around many campfires, we’ll raise our mugs in salute to a true son of Africa. Hamba Kahle, Johnny.
On a lighter note
I recall something that happened during Johnny Clegg’s 2009 tour to Australia.
My daughter Suzanne, her husband Marius and their girl Kyle, who was then about 12 years old, travelled from Cairns in the northeast to Brisbane to see his show.
By some lucky break, they got to meet him backstage after the performance.
Kyle asked him: ‘Do you know my gramps from South Africa?’
After being told Gramps’ name, he answered politely that he might, but wasn’t sure.
To which she responded: ‘You should know him – he is very famous!’