Johnny Clegg death: South African singer and anti-apartheid activist dubbed ‘White Zulu’ dies, aged 66
British-born musician was a vocal critic of South Africa’s apartheid government
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Johnny Clegg, one of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians and activists, has died aged 66.
The British-born musician, who blended western and Zulu music, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015.
Known occasionally as the “white Zulu”, he was a vocal critic of South Africa’s apartheid government, with his best-known hit – 1987’s “Asimbonanga” (”We have not seen him”) – one of the first to call for Nelson Mandela’s release.
Clegg, a white man who learnt to sing and speak in Zulu, broke the law to play with black musicians back in the era of racial apartheid and became a symbol of democratic South Africa.
At the time, much of his music was banned from the radio and his public performances were limited until the end of apartheid in 1994.
“We had to find our way around a myriad of laws that prevented us from mixing across racial lines,” he told AFP news agency in 2017.
Clegg’s long-time music manager, Ronny Quinn, who announced the news of his death, said Clegg left “deep footprints in the hearts of every person that considers himself or herself to be an African”.
“He showed us what it was to assimilate to and embrace other cultures without losing your identity,” he said.
The South African government is among the organisations, public figures and fans to pay tribute to Clegg.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments