In February, 2005, Johnny held a braai (barbeque) at his home for as many surviving people that played for him in his career as could make the event. Mention must be made of his excellent band, the current Savuka lineup, featuring Brendan Ross on sax and keyboards, Mandisa Dlanga on vocals, Concord Nkabinde on bass, Andy Innes on guitar and mandolin, and Barry Van Zyl on drums. At the party performance, he added one extra song, between Great Heart and Scatterlings. Dela (I Know Why The Dog Howls At The Moon)At the party, we wouldn't stop clapping until the band returned for an encore.Here is the set list from the party, which mirrored the 2:00 pm afternoon show as well: If you get the chance, see his show, you will not be disappointed, and if you are new to his music, you will experience a sound that you have not heard before, pure auditory pleasure. Regardless of how he does it, it is music that radiates and bleeds celebration and joy in the midst of world that can be terrifying and unforgiving.Ĭlegg and Savuka ('We have risen') are in the midst of an extensive world tour.

What makes Clegg's music so appealing to me is his ability to mix traditional Zulu musical structure (about which I know next to nothing, frankly) and Western melodies and rhythms. Further details are available on the biography page on this site. Word of mouth continued to spread, and Juluka's reputation grew, eventually leading to a record contract, and international recognition.

With their music largely ignored in their home country, they played live performances on the street and at private functions. The continuing development of their unique sound, which led to the formation of their band, Juluka (Zulu for 'sweat'), was in defiance of the cultural segregation laws at the time. Because Clegg was white and Mchunu black, they were subject to police harrassment, threats, and abuse. Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu defied apartheid authority in their early musical collaborative days in South Africa. He is one of those artists I have always wanted to watch in performance, and to have experienced such an amazing show twice in less than twelve hours was a gift from God. I was thrilled when I learned Clegg was playing our festival. For both shows, Johnny and the current version of Savuka played a tight, melodic and joyful show, showcasing many of Juluka and Savuka well-known songs, and mixing in many different dance steps, which I assume were based on Zulu tradition in many cases. At the party, I planted myself in front of the stage, a few feet away from Johnny, and danced to his music for 75 delirious, joyful minutes. Their song, 'Scatterlings of Africa', is an all-time favorite.Ĭlegg and his band rocked the festival during the Sunday (Aug 7) 2:00 pm mainstage show, and later in the evening, at the after-festival party. Clegg and Sipho Mchunu formed the seminal South African band Juluka in the late 1970s. I was blessed with the opportunity to work with one of my musical heroes, Johnny Clegg. : Last weekend, I participated in my 14th consequtive Edmonton Folk Music Festival as a volunteer.

Johnny Clegg and Savuka at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, 7 August 2005

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