South Africa's 'white Zulu', iconic "world music" artist Johnny Clegg to stir things up Down Under
Johnny Clegg is one of South Africa's most celebrated sons. He is 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, has exploded onto the international scene - and broken through all barriers.
In France where he continues to enjoy a massive following, he is fondly called Le Zulu Blanc.
Clegg used his music to send out a strong anti-apartheid message and no song was more powerful than Asimbonanga, Clegg's tribute to the jailed Nelson Mandela. His performance of this song today with Madiba as a free man and in the year of Mandela's ninetieth birthday, still sends shivers down the spine of the audience who are continuously in awe of his fine leadership attributes. Mandela has joined Johnny Clegg on stage during the 46664 Aids Awareness Concerts, a name lent to the events by Madiba from his Robben Island prison number.
The haunting refrain Impi (meaning Zulu warrior) regularly echoes within any South African rugby stadium which, together with Great Heart from the movie Jock of the Bushveld have achieved for Clegg anthem status with crowds in his home country.
Official tour website: www.cleggdownunder.com
