South Africa's music scene boasts many legends, but few have left as indelible a mark as Johnny Clegg. Learn about his musical style, oppositions and fight for equitable society

Johnny Clegg, born Jonathan Clegg in 1953, was more than just a South African musician.
Born in England but raised in Southern Africa, he was exposed to diverse cultures from a young age. This upbringing contributed to his passion for Zulu music and dance, a passion he would later share with the world through his music.
But Clegg wasn't just a performer; he was an activist. His music became a powerful tool for challenging racial segregation and advocating for a unified South Africa.
His music, a captivating blend of Western pop and Zulu rhythms, defied racial barriers and symbolized unity in a nation divided by Apartheid.
This is the story of a man who used his music to fight for social change, which continues to inspire today.
Summary
- Johnny Clegg, a South African musician and anti-apartheid activist, used his music to challenge racial segregation.
- Born in England but raised in South Africa, Clegg was exposed to diverse cultures that influenced his unique blend of Zulu rhythms and Western melodies.
- He formed interracial bands like Juluka and Savuka to defy apartheid and promote unity through music.
- Clegg's fight for social justice left an enduring legacy that inspires generations to this day.
Early Life, Education, and Musical Career of Johnny Clegg

Born in England in 1953, Clegg moved with his mother to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) as a baby. His parents divorced, and by age six, he was in South Africa with his mother.
Clegg's stepfather, a crime reporter, and his mother, a cabaret singer, exposed him to a diverse cultural environment.
As a teenager, he was drawn to the music and dance of Zulu migrant workers in Johannesburg.
Clegg studied Social Anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand. His studies deepened his understanding of Zulu culture, particularly music and dance.
He even learned the Zulu language and mastered the maskandi guitar and isishameni dance styles. While studying, he started his academic career, lecturing and writing on Zulu music.
In the late 1960s, Clegg formed a duo called Johnny & Sipho with Sipho Mchunu, a Zulu musician. This collaboration laid the groundwork for their future band, Juluka.
Juluka, formed in 1969, blended Zulu musical styles with English lyrics and Western melodies.
Their music, a powerful message of unity against apartheid, faced censorship due to racial segregation laws.
Despite the challenges, Juluka's debut album, "Universal Men," was released in 1979.
His academic background in anthropology and his deep connection with Zulu culture allowed him to create a unique musical voice that challenged the racial barriers of apartheid South Africa.
Johnny Clegg Inter- racial band with Mchunu called Juluka

In 1976, Clegg teamed up with Sipho Mchunu, a Zulu guitarist, to form a duo called Johnny & Sipho. This wasn't just a musical partnership; it was a powerful symbol of defiance in a racially segregated South Africa.
Their collaboration is named Juluka. Juluka wasn't just black or white; it was both. The band, which eventually grew to six members, featured three white musicians and three black musicians. This wasn't just a band; it was a microcosm of the future Clegg envisioned for South Africa – a united nation where race wasn't a barrier, but a bridge.
Juluka's music wasn't a mere fusion of styles; it was a testament to the power of collaboration. They blended Zulu maskandi rhythms with Clegg's rock and folk influences, creating a sound that was uniquely South African and utterly irresistible. This musical gumbo wasn't just for entertainment; it was a message of unity that resonated with audiences across racial divides.
Juluka's existence was a powerful act of rebellion. In a country obsessed with racial categorization, their music stood as a testament to the beauty and strength that emerged from breaking down those walls. They faced harassment and censorship, but their message was clear: music, like South Africa itself, belonged to everyone.
Johnny Clegg and Savuka
Johnny Clegg's commitment to dismantling apartheid wasn't just about anthems and catchy lyrics. He actively challenged the racial segregation of the time by forming interracial bands that defied the status quo. Enter Savuka, his second musical venture after Juluka.
Savuka, which translates to "We Have Awakened" or "We Have Risen" in Zulu, was more than just a band name. It was a statement. In 1986, South Africa was still firmly in the grip of apartheid. Racial segregation was the law, and even music wasn't spared. The government dictated where bands with performers of different races could play. But Clegg, along with his bandmate, the talented Zulu dancer and musician Dudu Zulu, refused to be silenced.
Savuka wasn't just a white frontman with black backing musicians. It was a true collaboration. Clegg, with his Zulu musical influences and stage presence that defied racial boundaries, and Dudu Zulu, a captivating performer who embodied the Zulu spirit, were at the heart of the band. They were joined by other talented musicians, both black and white, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences across racial divides.
Their music wasn't just catchy – it was powerful. Savuka's songs, often bilingual in English and Zulu, tackled themes of social justice, defying the oppressive regime, and the yearning for unity. Tracks like "Asimbonanga" ("We Have Not Seen Them"), a song about the disappeared victims of apartheid, became anthems for a generation fighting for change.
By forming Savuka, Johnny Clegg wasn't just creating music; he was creating a space for unity and defiance. He was proving that music, like humanity, transcends race. Savuka's success, both within South Africa and internationally, became a powerful testament to the power of music to break down barriers and inspire change.
Johnny Clegg's Academic Pursuit
Johnny Cleg was a renowned Anthropologist by profession and even became a lecturer in the same school he finished from with many academic works to his credit.
After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology from the University of Witwatersrand, Clegg pursued an academic career for four years, lecturing and writing several seminal scholarly papers on Zulu music and dance.
In the early stages of his musical career, Clegg combined his music with the study of anthropology at Wits, where he was influenced by the work of David Webster, a social anthropologist who was later assassinated in 1989.
Clegg's passion for music proved stronger. He left lecturing to express his message of unity and fight against apartheid through music, a more impactful medium for him.
His anthropological background remained a foundation for his music, creating a unique sound that celebrated diversity and challenged racial injustice.
Johnny Clegg's Personal Life
His musical and activist achievements didn't just define Johnny Clegg's life. Along with his impactful career, he found love and built a family.
He was married to Jenny Bartlett in 1988. Together, they had Jesse, who is also a musician, and Jaron Clegg
Sadly, Johnny Clegg passed away on July 16, 2019, at the age of 66. He had been battling pancreatic cancer.
Recognition and Awards of Johnny Clegg
Johnny Clegg's music and activism earned him a wide range of recognition and awards throughout his career.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most notable ones:
- Order of Ikhamanga (Silver) (2012): This is among the highest honors a South African citizen can receive. It recognizes his achievements in bridging cultural divides and promoting racial understanding during apartheid.
- Grammy Award Nomination (1993): His album "Heat, Dust and Dreams" with Savuka received a nomination for Best World Music Album.
- Billboard Music Award (1994): He won the award for Best World Music Album.
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (2015): This award recognized his contributions to the arts, social causes, and democracy in South Africa.
These are just some of the many awards Johnny Clegg received. His impact transcended musical genres and national borders, making him a true icon.
Conclusion
Johnny Clegg's life story is a testament to the power of music to transcend barriers and inspire change. He wasn't just a musician; he was a bridge between cultures, a voice for the voiceless, and a symbol of hope in a divided nation.
Through his unique blend of music and his commitment to social justice, Clegg left an indelible mark on South Africa and the world. Clegg's music was a powerful tool against apartheid, fostering unity and challenging racial segregation.
By forming interracial bands like Juluka and Savuka, he defied the status quo and created a platform for cultural exchange. His deep understanding of Zulu music and dance allowed him to create an authentic and universally appealing sound.