Tributes have poured in for internationally renowned South African artist Johnny Clegg who passed away on Tuesday.
The legendary musician died at his family home after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015. He was 66.
In a heartfelt message on Instagram, his son, Jesse, also a musician, thanked his dad “for the magical gifts you have given us and for creating a special place in your life for your family”.
Jesse credits his dad for inspiring him as a musician and as a man, adding: “I will miss you deeply and I struggle to imagine a world without you. But I am comforted to know that your wisdom and compassion lives on in all of us.”
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A post shared by Jesse Clegg(@jesseclegg) on Jul 17, 2019 at 1:57am PDT
Born in the United Kingdom, Clegg produced hits like Scatterlings of Africa, Great Heart and Impi with his bands Juluka and Savuka.
Called the White Zulu, Clegg, who was awarded an OBE, leaves behind his wife, Jenny, and sons, Jesse and Jaron.
Late last year, 50 musicians calling themselves Friends of Johnny Clegg, recorded a special version of his hit, The Crossing.
Proceeds of the single funded an education literacy programme.
Afrikaans singer Karen Zoid, who featured on the single, called Clegg on “a guiding light” on Facebook.
“To me he was also a sound mind. A hero ... a humble musician, a friend who visited me at my house and rode bicycles with me on the promenade. All morning long this past December we pretended to be in a bike gang. The best day ever!” she wrote.
Freshlyground lead singer Zolani Mahola said Clegg “has set forward a vision of what it is to be a South African (and) ... really embodied what we want to be as South Africans as integrated beings”.
Singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka spoke of their first show together in Paris in 1987: “He was just amazing. It was very funny, none of us could speak French... I travelled to New York with Jesse Clegg, it’s just amazing family. The world loved him, he was just a down-to-earth guy.”
Danny K, who worked with Clegg, said the White Zulu was much more than a musician.
“Music has the ability to unite people. Through his music, he united us where politicians failed. We owe a great deal to him. See us free through music,” Danny said.
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