"A beloved, inspirational and heroic voice has fallen silent and leaves all of us bereft of an exceptional compatriot and icon of social cohesion and non-racialism," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said about Clegg.
ADVERTISEMENT
S.Africans mourn 'White Zulu' Jonny Clegg
Tributes poured in Wednesday for anti-apartheid singer Johnny Clegg, who died aged 66, with politicians, musicians and friends lauding the "White Zulu" for building bridges in a divided nation.
British-born Jonny Clegg was a pioneer -- blending Zulu rhythms from his adopted South Africa with Western styles, all while defying apartheid segregation laws
British-born Clegg was a pioneer -- blending Zulu rhythms from his adopted South Africa with Western styles, all while defying apartheid segregation laws.
"We are blessed to have seen him... We will keep working for the country of his dreams," the Nelson Mandela Foundation tweeted, describing Clegg as "a musical icon and a freedom fighter".
Clegg mastered the language, culture and high kicks of Zulu dance, forming multi-racial bands in defiance of the race-separating laws of the apartheid-era government which censored his work.
ADVERTISEMENT
Among his best-known tracks was "Asimbonanga", Zulu for "We have not seen him", released in 1987 following the declaration of a state of emergency by the apartheid government.
The song paid tribute to Nelson Mandela -- then in jail -- and was outlawed because any reference to the anti-apartheid leader was illegal.
It became an anthem for the anti-apartheid struggle.
After a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Clegg passed away Tuesday surrounded by family at his home in Johannesburg.
"He was just a gift from God," said Sipho Mchunu, co-founder of Clegg's first band "Juluka", formed when Clegg was only 17.
ADVERTISEMENT
"He was more than my brother... My heart is broken," Mchunu told local radio station, 702.
A private funeral service will be held for the celebrated musician but a service will also be arranged for the public to pay their respects, his manager Roddy Quin said in a statement.
Clegg is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jenny, and their two sons Jesse and Jaron.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
‘Dumsor’ challenges will end in a few days – ECG Board Chairman assures Ghanaians
We’ll prosecute corrupt appointees under Akufo-Addo’s govt – Prof. Opoku-Agyeman
How First and Second Ladies rejected and refunded all allowances given to them since 2017
Russian Deputy Defence Minister, Ivanov detained for accepting large bribes
Vice President Dr. Bawumia meets Pope Francis in Rome
Payment of salaries to spouses of President, Vice President illegal – Supreme Court
Celebrating a Maternal Pillar: The enduring legacy of Comfort Naa Momo Amugi
Akufo-Addo tasks the Finance Ministry, GRA to renegotiate the SML contract
![The girl, weighing less than 1.4 kg, was born by Caesarean section (image used for illustrative purpose) [Meta AI]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "The girl, weighing less than 1.4 kg, was born by Caesarean section (image used for illustrative purpose) [Meta AI]")