Johnny Clegg: spirit of the great heart

Abstract

Jonathan (Johnny) Clegg was one of the most popular South African musicians for decades. The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes Clegg's contribution to South African music as 'innovative, ethnically integrated musical collaborations in the late twentieth century [that] constituted a powerful statement against apartheid, the enforced separation of black and white peoples and traditions in South Africa'. Clegg used his musical abilities to defy the segregationist laws of the time, for example, by performing at mixed-race concerts. He gave South Africans music that was inclusive in the broadest sense of the word at a time when certain art forms were strictly limited by race. By mixing cultural genres and teaming up with musicians from diverse groups, his music was popular across all divides in South Africa. The music Clegg made told the stories of people's experience of segregation and defiance in South Africa. He has influenced generations of musicians worldwide to embrace diversity. Despite bannings, harassment and censorship, Clegg persisted in using his music to bring a divided country together. He was a notoriously private person, but managed to play an influential role in the culture of many South Africans through his stories and artistry.