So, I have been a fan of Johnny Clegg for a while, not only because he is a true South African legend but also because he has been part of the music industry in South Africa for decades.
I have enjoyed his shows… and, as a kid, he left this amazing image in my head of this white guy dancing like a Zulu with his leg in the air. This I guess, is how he got named Zoulou Blanc; ‘The White Zulu’.
In my attempt to help, I thought I would share with you his recent tribute by well over 50 South African artists and by sharing this tribute, perhaps persuade you to download the video and help alleviate the education crises in South Africa. Just by downloading this song, all proceeds go to The Click Foundation.
What is The Click Foundation?
The Click Foundation was established in 2012 to find ways of using technology in education to pursue outcomes-based interventions that can meaningfully impact learners. The Foundation believes that, through effective implementation, technology can shift the paradigm and make a significant impact in an efficient, cost effective and scalable manner.
The song and the video was played to Johnny for the very first time at a private event on the 5th of December 2018 where he also performed for friends and lifelong fans at the luxury boutique hotel, Ellerman House in Bantry Bay, Cape Town. The spectacular evening saw the launch of Friends of Johnny Clegg.
“But then we realised that we might as well go big and give Johnny a proper gift. A massive collaboration in aid of his biggest passion; education.” said Karen Zoid.
If you are interested in the directors cut of the video, click here...
The performance and the artists who collaborated on the track:
Karen Zoid, Abigail Kubeka, Andre Venter, Andy Mac, Anna Davel, Ard Matthews, Arno Carstens, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Corlea, Craig Hinds, Craig Lucas, Dan Patlansky, Dave Matthews, David Kramer, Dorothy Masuka, Elvis Blue, Emo Adams, Francois van Coke, Franja du Plessis, Gloria Bosman, Jason Hartman, Jesse Clegg , Jimmy Nevis, Juanita du Plessis, Judith Sephuma, Kahn Morbee, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Kurt Darren, Laudo Liebenberg, Lira, Majozi, Mike Rutherford, Paige Mac, Patricia Lewis, Peter Gabriel, Ross Learmonth, Somizi, Stompie Ernesta Manana, Thandeka Campher, Thembeka Mnguni, Tresor Riziki, Vicky Sampson, Victor Masondo, Vusi Mahlasela, Yati Khumalo, Zander Tyler (Jack Parow), Zolani Mahola.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CROSSING & DONATE
Shortly after it was played to Johnny, he said this on Twitter:
I am speechless thank you so much! This is an amazing moment for me - to have so many of my peers acknowledge the song and its sentiments, and that they can use that to further something much bigger than all of us. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/CdoUp45VMI
— Johnny Clegg (@JohnnyCleggReal) December 6, 2018
Jonathan Clegg was born on the 7th of June 1953. He is a British-born South African musician and anthropologist who has recorded and performed with his bands Juluka and Savuka, and more recently as a solo act, occasionally reuniting with his earlier band partners. He is an important figure in South African popular music history, with songs that mix Zulu with English lyrics and African with various Western music styles.
His recognition:
Sadly in 2015, Johnny Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Johnny has a son, Jesse Clegg. He is also a recording artist displaying a style markedly different from that of his father. In 2008 he released his debut album When I Wake Up. As a rock musician, the younger Clegg has quickly built up a following, with the album being nominated for two South African Music Awards.
Watch Jesse and Johnny, father and son, perform together on a track called I’ve been looking.
Thanks for your time and if you have more to add, please comment below. Be and stay safe!
Martin is a digital marketing specialist, a producer and always online. His educational background is Digital and has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. His wife & little girl comes first and in his spare time he really enjoys making music.
