South African singer Johnny Clegg died on Tuesday at the age of 66. Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015.
The Grammy-nominated singer, sometimes called the “White Zulu”, died peacefully at home in Johannesburg on Tuesday with his family, according to Clegg’s manager, Roddy Quin.
In 2017, Clegg, who was born in Britain but grew up in South Africa, announced that he would do one last tour before he retired.
Johnny Clegg was one of South Africa’s most celebrated sons. He was a singer, a songwriter, a dancer, anthropologist and a musical activist whose infectious crossover music, a vibrant blend of Western pop and African Zulu rhythms, exploded onto the international scene and contributed immensely towards social cohesion in the young South African democracy.
His exposure to Zulu migrant workers during adolescence introduced him to the culture and music. His involvement with black musicians often saw him arrested during apartheid. At the age of 17, together with Sipho Mchunu, he formed a band called Juluka. At the age of 33 in 1986, during the height of apartheid, he partnered with Dudu Zulu to form his second inter-racial band called Savuka.
Challenging apartheid laws that prohibited mixed-race performances in public venues, they played at universities, church halls and migrant hostels. They were subject to harassment from the authorities and sometimes arrest.
The 1987 hit Asimbonanga, a tribute to Nelson Mandela, who at the time had been imprisoned on Robben Island for over two decades, was one of the high points of a glittering career.
Johnny Clegg also recorded several solo albums and enjoyed international success, selling out concerts wherever he performed.
He was awarded by a number of local and international bodies for his contribution to music and society notably by the French Government in 1991 with a Knight of Arts and Letters, and in 2015 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2012 he received the Order of Ikhamanga from the South African government. He was also awarded a number of honorary doctorates.
He had two sons with his wife, Jennifer, one of whom is popular rock musician Jesse Clegg.