Johnny Clegg (73 yo)

Jun 07, 1953 Jul 16, 2019

Biography

3 years ago · General · 743

Jonathan Paul Clegg, known as Johnny or Le Zoulou Blanc, was a South African musician, singer-songwriter, dancer, anthropologist, and anti-apartheid activist who passed away on July 16, 2019, at the age of 66. Born on June 7, 1953, in Bacup, Lancashire, England, Clegg grew up in South Africa after moving there with his mother when he was six years old.

Clegg's musical career began in the late 1970s as part of the duo Johnny & Sipho with Sipho Mchunu. The pair released their first single, "Woza Friday," in 1976, and went on to form the band Juluka, which released its debut album in 1979. Clegg's unique blend of traditional African music with modern Western styles, combined with English and Zulu lyrics, made him an important figure in South African popular music.

In 1986, Clegg founded the band Savuka, and also recorded as a solo act, occasionally reuniting with his earlier band partners. His music brought together people of different cultures and backgrounds, promoting messages of peace, love, and unity. Clegg's popularity extended far beyond South Africa, and he was beloved around the world for his unique style and positive message.

Clegg was also a prominent anti-apartheid activist, using his music to raise awareness of the injustices of apartheid and to promote social change. His activism led him to become the subject of investigation by the security branch of the South African Police, and he became a prominent white figure in the resistance to apartheid.

Clegg's upbringing as a secular Jew had a profound impact on his life and work. He refused to have a bar mitzvah or associate with other Jewish children at school, but he later became interested in his Jewish heritage and explored it in his music and anthropological work.

Jonathan Paul Clegg's passing was a great loss to the world of music and social justice. He will be remembered for his contributions to South African popular music, his activism, and his message of peace and unity. Rest in peace, Johnny.

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Funeral date

Jul 17 2019, 09:00
Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg, South Africa.