Sometimes called Le Zoulou Blanc, he is an important figure in South African popular music history, with songs that mix Zulu with English lyrics and African with various Western music styles.
Clegg was born in Bacup, Lancashire, to an English father and a Rhodesian mother. Clegg's mother's family were Jewish immigrants from Poland, and Clegg had a secular Jewish upbringing, learning about the Ten Commandments but refusing to have a bar mitzvah or even associate with other Jewish children at school. His parents divorced when he was still an infant, and he moved with his mother to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and then, at the age of 6, to South Africa, also spending less than a year in Israel during childhood.
As an adolescent in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, he encountered the demi-monde of the city's Zulu migrant workers' music and dance. Under the tutelage of Charlie Mzila, a flat cleaner by day and musician by night, Clegg mastered both the Zulu language and the maskandi guitar and isishameni dance styles of the migrants. Clegg's involvement with black musicians often led to arrests for trespassing on government property and for contravening the Group Areas Act. He was first arrested at the age of 15 for violating apartheid-era laws in South Africa banning people of different races from congregating together after curfew hours. At the age of 17, he met Sipho Mchunu, a Zulu migrant worker with whom he began performing music. The partnership, which they named Johnny & Sipho and then Juluka, was profiled in the 1970s television documentary Beats of the Heart: Rhythm of Resistance.
As a young man, Clegg pursued an academic career for four years, lecturing at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Natal, and writing several seminal scholarly papers on Zulu music and dance. In the early stages of his musical career, Clegg combined his music with the study of anthropology at Wits, where he was influenced, among others, by the work of David Webster, a social anthropologist who was later assassinated in 1989. He preceded each song with snippets of Zulu culture, information, commentary, humor and personal anecdotes relevant and unique to that song. An engaged social anthropologist, he not only mastered the theories but delved into the culture and disseminated it.
Juluka was an unusual musical partnership for the time in South Africa, with a white man (Clegg) and a black man (Mchunu) performing together. The band, which grew to a six-member group (with three white musicians and three black musicians) by the time it released its first album Universal Men in 1979, faced harassment and censorship, with Clegg later remarking that it was "impossible" to perform in public in South Africa.[9] The group tested the apartheid-era laws, touring and performing in private venues, including universities, churches, hostels, and even private homes in order to attract an audience, as national broadcasters would not play their music. Just as unusually, the band's music combined Zulu, Celtic, and rock elements, with both English and isiZulu lyrics. Those lyrics often contained coded political messages and references to the battle against apartheid, although Clegg has maintained that Juluka was not originally intended to be a political band. "Politics found us," he told The Baltimore Sun in 1996. In a 1989 interview with the Sunday Times, Clegg denied the label of "political activist." "For me a political activist is someone who has committed himself to a particular ideology. I don’t belong to any political party. I stand for human rights."
Juluka's music was both implicitly and explicitly political; not only was the fact of the success of the band (which openly celebrated African culture in a bi-racial band) a thorn in the flesh of a political system based on racial separation, the band also produced some explicitly political songs. For example, the album Work for All (which includes a song with the same title) picked up on South African trade union slogans in the mid-1980s. As a result of their political messages and racial integration, Clegg and other band members were arrested several times and concerts routinely broken up.
Despite being ignored and often harassed by the South African government at home, Juluka were able to tour internationally, playing in Europe, Canada, and the United States, and had two platinum and five gold albums, becoming an international success. The group was disbanded in 1985, when Mchunu returned to his rural home to care for his family.
Together with the black musician and dancer Dudu Zulu, Clegg went on to form his second inter-racial band, Savuka, in 1986, continuing to blend African music with European influences. The group's first album, Third World Child, broke international sales records in several European countries, including France. The band went on to record several more albums, including Heat, Dust and Dreams, which received a Grammy Award nomination. Johnny Clegg and Savuka played both at home and abroad, even though Clegg's refusal to stop performing in apartheid-era South Africa created tensions with the international anti-apartheid movement and led to his expulsion from the British Musicians' Union. In one instance, the band drew such a large crowd in Lyon that Michael Jackson cancelled a concert there, complaining that Clegg and his group had "stolen all his fans". In 1993, the band dissolved after Dudu Zulu was shot and killed while attempting to mediate a taxi war.
Briefly reunited in the mid-1990s, Clegg and Mchunu reformed Juluka, released a new album, and toured throughout the world in 1996 with King Sunny Ade. Since then, Clegg has recorded several solo albums. His touring schedule was abbreviated in 2017 after undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer, and Clegg performed his last scheduled tour date in Maritius in October of 2018. During one concert in 1999, he was joined onstage by South African President Nelson Mandela, who danced as he sang the protest song Savuka had dedicated to him, "Asimbonanga". Asimbonanga became something of an anthem for the Mass Democratic Movement's umbrella organisation, the United Democratic Front. During Mandela's illness and death in 2013, the video of the concert attracted considerable media attention outside South Africa.
His song "Scatterlings of Africa" gave him his only entries in the UK Singles Chart to date, reaching No. 44 in February 1983 with Juluka and 75 in May 1987 as Johnny Clegg and Savuka. The following year the song was featured on the soundtrack to the 1988 Oscar-winning film Rain Man.
His song "Life is a Magic Thing" was featured in Ferngully.
Savuka's song "Dela" was featured on the soundtrack of the 1997 film George of the Jungle and its 2003 sequel, while "Great Heart" was the title song for the 1986 film Jock of the Bushveld. "Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World" was featured in the 1990 film Opportunity Knocks and 1991 film Career Opportunities. "Great Heart" was also the end credits song for the 2000 Disney movie Whispers: An Elephant's Tale. In 2002 Clegg provided several songs and incidental background music for Jane Goodall's "Wild Chimpanzees" DVD. Included in the extras on the disc are rare scenes of Clegg in the recording studio.
Jimmy Buffett recorded "Great Heart" for his 1988 album, Hot Water.
He co-wrote "Diggah Tunnah" with Lebo M. for Disney's 2004 direct-to-video animated film The Lion King 1½.
Clegg was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres (Knight of Arts and Letters) by the French Government in 1991.
In 2004, he was voted 23rd in the SABC3's Great South Africans.
In 2007, Clegg received an honorary doctorate in music from the University of the Witwatersrand.
In 2011, Clegg received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from City University of New York School of Law.
In 2012, Clegg received the Order of Ikhamanga,Silver as part of the National Orders ceremony. This award is the highest honour a citizen can receive in South Africa. It was presented by President Jacob Zuma.
In 2012, Clegg received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
In 2013, Clegg received an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
In 2015, Clegg was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Clegg's son Jesse Clegg is also a recording artist. Displaying a style markedly different from that of his father, in 2008 he released his debut album When I Wake Up. As a rock musician, the younger Clegg has quickly built up a following, with the album being nominated for two South African Music Awards.
Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015. Clegg died in his Johannesburg home on 16 July 2019.
Bibliography
Clegg, Jonathan (1981). Phil Bonner (ed.). ""Ukubuyisa Isidumbu", "Bringing back the body": An examination of the ideology of vengeance in the Msinga and Mpofana Rural Locations, 1822–1944". Working Papers in Southern African Studies. Johannesburg: Ravan Press. 2.
Clegg, Jonathan (1981). Andrew Tracey (ed.). "The Music of Zulu Immigrant Workers in Johannesburg: A Focus on Concertina and Guitar". Papers presented at the Symposium on Ethnomusicology. Grahamstown: International Library of African Music.
Clegg, Jonathan (1982). Andrew Tracey (ed.). "Towards an understanding of African Dance: The Zulu Isishameni Style". Papers read at Second Symposium on Ethnomusicology, 24–26 September 1981, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. Grahamstown: Institute of Social and Economic Research.
These Days
Johnny Clegg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes,
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
To the empty heart of these days.
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
Yashimbawula!
You were the reason I came here
You will always be the one I am looking for
I can't stand to see the way
These days are pushing you against the wall
Got to get up, got to move out
Face the tide beyond the door
Outside there's a whole world changing
We can't stand here, trapped inside
Let's step out and test the weather
Hang on baby, it's going to ge a rough ride through'
These days, searching for a vision
These days, gun metal blue
These days, changing my religion
These days, heartless and cruel
Say the words and fill my sails
I will love you through the coming gale
We'll get through the darkest heart of these days
"it's killing time"
Who will watch the watchers?
Who will keep the keepers?
Who will love the lovers, could you?
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
The song 'These Days' by Johnny Clegg is a powerful commentary on the unrest and turmoil of the world, and encourages people to not give in to despair and instead fight against the chaos. The first verse addresses a person who has lost their spark and drive, someone who has gone from being full of energy and ambition to feeling trapped and hopeless. This sense of despair and disillusionment is contrasted with the memories of the past, where conversations were deep and full of potential, and where the future seemed limitless. The chorus highlights the violence and destruction that is rampant in the world, and serves as a reminder of the harsh realities that need to be faced.
The second verse is a call to action, and highlights the need to act and resist the negative forces that surround us. It implores the listener to not be passive, but to get up and take charge of their own lives, and to resist being pushed down by the chaos of the world. The bridge speaks to the idea of love and connection, and highlights the importance of supporting and caring for one another through the difficulties and challenges of life. The song ends with a powerful call-to-action, questioning who will be the ones to stand up and fight against the tide of violence and despair in the world.
Overall, 'These Days' is a powerful protest song that encourages listeners to not give in to despair or hopelessness, but to instead take action and fight for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes,
What happened to the sparkle in your eyes?
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to your drive and ambition?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face?
What happened to your joy and happiness?
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
We used to be passionate about making a difference, but now you just want to run away from everything.
Come on baby don't surrender now
To the empty heart of these days.
Don't give up and let the emptiness of these days consume you.
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
We used to have deep conversations late into the night, and you were passionate and free-spirited. We both knew that harder times were coming.
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
These days are filled with pain, turmoil, and hopelessness for many people.
You were the reason I came here
You will always be the one I am looking for
You were my reason for coming here, and I will always cherish you.
I can't stand to see the way
These days are pushing you against the wall
I hate seeing how these times are making you feel trapped and helpless.
Got to get up, got to move out
Face the tide beyond the door
We need to get up and leave this behind, and face whatever comes next.
Outside there's a whole world changing
We can't stand here, trapped inside
The world is constantly evolving and moving forward. We can't stay stuck in this place forever.
Let's step out and test the weather
Hang on baby, it's going to ge a rough ride through'
Let's take a chance and see what's out there, but hold on tight because it's not going to be easy.
These days, searching for a vision
These days, gun metal blue
These days, changing my religion
These days, heartless and cruel
These days are marked by struggles to find direction, sadness, and heartlessness.
Say the words and fill my sails
I will love you through the coming gale
We'll get through the darkest heart of these days
If you support me and fill me with love, we can get through the toughest of times together.
"it's killing time"
Who will watch the watchers?
Who will keep the keepers?
Who will love the lovers, could you?
These harsh times require us to question who's in charge, who's keeping us safe, and who's caring for us.
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
Again, these times are filled with pain, chaos, and a sense of hopelessness.
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL CLEGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexbalatonmagyar3118
Cc
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
Come on baby don't surrender now
To the empty heart of these days
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
@wengrrrl1
JC is The Bomb. I miss him so much. As a stage tech, have tech’d him 3 times. Savuka is the best f’n band i’ve ever seen live. (And am a 100+show Deadhead!) He is the apex to which every band should aspire.Love him so much. Miss you, JC. ✨The bagpipe intro on this is absolutely tits.
@eddiegrondin4034
This song gives me some motivation
@Axboub
Rest In Peace my friend, we'll never forget you
@susanlarhubarbe9475
Missed his Jo’burg Final Journey concerts and regret it so much. It’s crazy to feel so heartsore about the passing of someone I’ve only seen perform live, but never met. I only realize now how familiar some of the ‘less familiar’ songs actually are and have really grown to like this one so much. Miss you Johnny Clegg! Gone but never forgotten and always in our hearts ❤️❤️
@RollDeep1000
Johnny Cleggs sound is amazing and authentic.
@garnetgwembere3035
Sad to learn of his passing, now that you are gone “who will watch the watchers”
@dawbtreader22
This is one of my favorite songs. Ive been a Clegg fan since the 90s.
@johnward-cox9839
Kay Ledford been a fan since the early 80's
@Mickelic
Who will love the world if we do not?
@lastrada52
"Scatterlings of Africa" was the song that grabbed my ear. But, it wasn't until one night years ago on the Johnny Carson Show that Clegg comes out with some sticks & begins to sing then dance -- up, over and all around these sticks at an incredible speed. That was the night Michael Jackson took 2nd spot as greatest dancer. This Clegg guy was not to be believed that night. Clegg has since performed with many famous artists -- Johnny deserves the recognition. A monster talent & an original.