South Africans mourn ‘White Zulu’ singer Johnny Clegg
- For years, Clegg formed multiracial bands, defying race-separating laws of the apartheid-era government which censored his work
Tributes poured in on Wednesday for anti-apartheid singer Johnny Clegg, who has died aged 66, with politicians, musicians and friends lauding the “White Zulu” for building bridges in a divided nation.
“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.
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 multiracial bands despite the race-separating laws of the apartheid-era government which censored his work.
Among his best-known tracks was Asimbonanga, Zulu for “We have not seen him”. It was released in 1987 following the declaration of a state of emergency by the apartheid government.