Johnny Clegg.

Jonathan Paul Clegg

Born 7 Jun 1953 Rochdale, United Kingdom

Died 16 Jul 2019 Johannesburg, South Africa

Citizenship United Kingdom

Would Be 73 yr If Living

15 min read

Reading time

2,825

Words

Oct 18, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Johnny Clegg was a British-born South African musician and anthropologist. He formed the multi-racial band Juluka in 1979 and later Savuka, blending Zulu and Western music. His song ‘Asimbonanga’, released in 1987, was a tribute to Nelson Mandela. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2019 at age 66.

Identity & family.

KIN · 2

Names, aliases, and relatives of Johnny Clegg — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Jonathan Paul Clegg

Nicknames Le Zoulou Blanc

Aliases Johnnie Clegg

Spouses: Jenny Clegg
Children: Jesse Clegg

At a glance.

STATS

Johnny Clegg by the numbers — life, work, and family.

66 Years lived

3 Awards

1 Marriage

1 Child

Who was Johnny Clegg?

BIOGRAPHY

Johnny Clegg — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

At age 15, Johnny Clegg was arrested for violating the Group Areas Act. Born on June 7, 1953 in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, his biological father divorced his mother when he was an infant; he did not meet his father again until age 21. His stepfather worked as a crime reporter. As a child, he lived in Israel, Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe, and Zambia before settling in South Africa. He became fluent in Zulu and was the only white person to write Zulu at matriculation level during apartheid.

Career

In 1979, Clegg released the debut album Universal Men with his band Juluka, one of the first multi-racial bands in South Africa. He served as an academic in social anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Natal for four years. The global popularity of the song Scatterlings of Africa forced him to give up teaching and pursue music full-time. He later formed the band Savuka. In the French city of Lyon, his concerts outsold those of Michael Jackson. His 1987 song Asimbonanga, meaning We have not seen him in Zulu, was a tribute to Nelson Mandela; Clegg finally met Mandela personally 12 years later in Frankfurt, Germany. He also acted in films such as George of the Jungle 1997, Rain Man 1988, and Invictus 2009.

Personal life

Clegg married Jenny Clegg in 1988. They held two wedding ceremonies: a Jewish ceremony and a Zulu ceremony. He identified as Jewish but was non-religious. Their son Jesse Clegg became an alternative rock musician. Clegg had two sons, one of whom is Jesse. The song Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World was written as a dedication to Jesse when he was an infant. He regarded Scatterlings of Africa as the highlight of his musical career.

Legacy

In 2012, Clegg received the Order of Ikhamanga, South Africa’s highest honor. In 2015, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Witwatersrand. In 1991, the French government awarded him the Knight of Arts and Letters. His posthumous memoir Scatterling of Africa: My Early Years was released in October 2021. He used music to fight apartheid and bridge racial divides, defining his legacy as a cultural activist.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 3

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Johnny Clegg — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Order of Ikhamanga
Officer of the Order of the British Empire
honorary doctor of the University of the Witwatersrand

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 9

A wall of memorable lines from Johnny Clegg — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

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.
It Is Very Important to Understand That I Am Not a Spokesman for South Africa. All I Am Doing Is Describing the South African Experience.
Celtic Music Has a Romantic Appeal, Because It Reminds Me of My Father, Whom I Have Never Seen. It Is a Connection with Part of My Past.
What I Hope My Music Will Do Is to Show People That What Goes on in South Africa Is Not Just South Africa’s Problem
There Are Already Too Many Politicians in South Africa. It Doesn’t Need Another.
The World Was Structured in Such a Way That If You Wanted to Get That Stuff, You Got into Trouble. but I Felt There Were Holes in the Fence That I Had to Find, and I Found Them.
All Culture Is Human Culture
Politics Is Too Tough an Arena for Me, I’d Rather Stick Fight a Zulu Than Be in Parliament.
I Was Not Looking for Politics, Politics Found Me

Did you know?

FACTS · 36

Little-known facts about Johnny Clegg — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

He earned both a BA and a BAHons degree in social anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He served as an academic for four years at both the University of the Witwatersrand and the then University of Natal before taking up music full time.
He is a household name in France.
He is of English descent on his father’s side and Jewish descent on his mother’s side.
He and his wife Jenny held two separate wedding ceremonies: a Jewish ceremony and a Zulu ceremony.
In the French city of Lyon, his concerts outsold those of bigger names such as Michael Jackson, to the extent that the latter was forced to cancel.
Despite identifying himself as Jewish, he was non-religious.
He has two sons, one of whom is Jesse Clegg, an alternative rock musician.
He is noted for being the lead singer for two multi-racial bands, Juluka and Savuka.
During the height of the apartheid regime, he and his band faced constant harassment and arrests from the police.
He detested being called a political activist; instead he preferred being called a cultural activist.
He was perhaps the only white person in South Africa to write Zulu at matriculation level during the height of the apartheid regime.
He announced his retirement from performing two years after he was diagnosed with cancer. His last concert took place in Zimbabwe on November 3, 2018.
In 1991, he was awarded the Knight of Arts and Letters by the French Government.
In 2015, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
In 2012, he received the Order of Ikhamanga, the highest honor bestowed upon any citizen in South Africa.
His stepfather was a crime reporter.
His biological father divorced his mother while he was an infant. He did not meet his father again until he was 21.
As a child, he lived in Israel, Southern Rhodesia present-day Zimbabwe, and Zambia before finally settling in South Africa.
In preparation for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he hosted the television program A Country Imagined.
He is a fan of the music of Pete Seeger and Jethro Tull.
Despite having recorded the song Asimbonanga in 1987 in tribute to Nelson Mandela, Clegg only met Mandela personally for the first time in Frankfurt, Germany, 12 years after the single’s release.
He regarded the song Scatterlings of Africa as the highlight of his musical career.
As a result of the popularity of his song Scatterlings of Africa worldwide, he was forced to give up his teaching position at the University of the Witwatersrand.
He can speak Zulu fluently.
His song Asimbonanga is Zulu meaning We have not seen him.
He was buried at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg, South Africa, a day after his death as per Jewish custom.
The song Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World was written for his son, Jesse, whilst he was an infant.
He was first arrested at age 15 for violating the then Group Areas Act which existed in apartheid South Africa.
The song The Crossing was written as a tribute to his percussionist and dance partner, Dudu Zulu, who was murdered in 1992.
The song Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World was written as a dedication to his son Jesse who was born a year earlier.
He was an anthropologist by training.
He was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015.
His song One Human One Vote was written in memory of his mentor, Dr. David Webster, who was assassinated on May 1, 1989 outside his Johannesburg home.
His book Scatterling of Africa: My Early Years was posthumously released in October 2021.
His debut album with Juluka was called Universal Men, released in 1979.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 44

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Johnny Clegg.

When was Johnny Clegg born?

Johnny Clegg was born on June 7, 1953. This was in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, UK. He was given the birth name Jonathan Paul Clegg.
Where was Johnny Clegg born?

He was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, UK. Although born in England, he moved to Southern Africa as a child and later became a South African cultural icon.
When did Johnny Clegg die?

Johnny Clegg died on July 16, 2019. He was 66 years old at the time of his death. He passed away in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
How old was Johnny Clegg when he died?

He was 66 years old when he died on July 16, 2019. He was born on June 7, 1953, making his age at death exactly 66 years, 1 month, and 9 days.
Where did Johnny Clegg die?

He died in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. He had lived in South Africa for most of his life. His funeral was held the following day at Westpark Cemetery.
How did Johnny Clegg die?

He died of pancreatic cancer. He was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015. He announced his retirement from performing two years after the diagnosis and continued to work until his final concert in Zimbabwe on November 3, 2018.
What was Johnny Clegg's real name?

His real name is Jonathan Paul Clegg. He was born on June 7, 1953 in Rochdale, England. He was also sometimes credited as Johnnie Clegg.
What was Johnny Clegg's nickname?

He was nicknamed Le Zoulou Blanc, which is French for The White Zulu. This nickname reflected his deep immersion in Zulu culture and his fluency in the Zulu language.
Why was Johnny Clegg called 'Le Zoulou Blanc'?

He was called Le Zoulou Blanc because of his mastery of Zulu language and dance, and his role in popularizing Zulu music internationally. The nickname originated in France, where he was immensely popular and often outsold other major artists.
Did Johnny Clegg have any other names?

He was sometimes credited as Johnnie Clegg. His full birth name is Jonathan Paul Clegg. He also used the stage name Johnny Clegg throughout his career.
What is Johnny Clegg's nationality?

He held British citizenship. He was born in England and later became a naturalized South African resident. He is widely considered a South African musician.
How tall was Johnny Clegg?

Johnny Clegg was 5 feet 10 inches tall, which is 1.78 meters. He had a lean build and often danced energetically on stage.
What did Johnny Clegg do for a living?

He was a musician, actor, and writer. He was best known as the lead singer of the bands Juluka and Savuka. He also acted in films such as George of the Jungle 1997 and Invictus 2009.
Who was Johnny Clegg married to?

He was married to Jenny Clegg. They were married from February 14, 1988 until his death in 2019. They held two wedding ceremonies: a Jewish ceremony and a Zulu ceremony.
Did Johnny Clegg have children?

Yes, he had two sons. One of them is Jesse Clegg, who became an alternative rock musician. The other son is not named in public records. He wrote the song Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World for Jesse when he was a baby.
Where did Johnny Clegg go to school?

He attended the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He earned a BA and BAHons degree in social anthropology. He later taught there and at the University of Natal before focusing on music.
What awards did Johnny Clegg win?

He received several major honors: the Order of Ikhamanga South Africa’s highest civilian honor in 2012, an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2015, and an honorary doctorate from the University of the Witwatersrand. He also received the Knight of Arts and Letters from France in 1991.
What is Johnny Clegg best known for?

He is best known as the frontman of the multi-racial bands Juluka and Savuka, and for hit songs like Asimbonanga and Scatterlings of Africa. He also appeared as himself on TV shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Saturday Night Live.
What was the name of Johnny Clegg's first band?

His first band was Juluka, which he formed in 1979. The band’s debut album was Universal Men. Juluka was one of the first multi-racial bands in South Africa during apartheid.
What bands was Johnny Clegg in?

He was the lead singer of two multi-racial bands: Juluka formed 1979 and later Savuka. Both blended Zulu music with Western rock and pop. The bands faced harassment from authorities during apartheid.
What is the meaning of the song 'Asimbonanga'?

Asimbonanga is a Zulu phrase meaning We have not seen him. The song, released in 1987, was a tribute to Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned at the time. Clegg did not meet Mandela personally until 12 years later in Frankfurt, Germany.
What inspired the song 'The Crossing'?

The song The Crossing was written as a tribute to Dudu Zulu, Clegg’s percussionist and dance partner who was murdered in 1992. It reflects on loss and memory.
What was Johnny Clegg's highest-charting song?

His song Scatterlings of Africa became a worldwide hit and was regarded by Clegg himself as the highlight of his career. Its global popularity forced him to leave his teaching job to pursue music full time.
Did Johnny Clegg ever meet Nelson Mandela?

Yes, he met Nelson Mandela personally for the first time in Frankfurt, Germany, 12 years after the release of his tribute song Asimbonanga. The meeting was a significant moment in Clegg’s life.
Was Johnny Clegg involved in politics?

He preferred to be called a cultural activist rather than a political activist. His music and multi-racial bands were a form of resistance against apartheid, and he was arrested at age 15 for violating the Group Areas Act.
What languages did Johnny Clegg speak?

He was fluent in Zulu and spoke English. He wrote Zulu at matriculation level during apartheid, an achievement rare for a white South African. He also sang in Zulu and English.
What was Johnny Clegg's educational background?

He earned a BA and a BAHons in social anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand. He also completed coursework at the University of Natal. He taught as an academic for four years before becoming a full-time musician.
What was Johnny Clegg's last concert?

His last concert took place on November 3, 2018 in Zimbabwe. He had announced his retirement two years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015.
Did Johnny Clegg write a book?

Yes, his memoir Scatterling of Africa: My Early Years was published posthumously in October 2021. It covers his childhood and early music career.
What was the cause of Johnny Clegg's death?

He died of pancreatic cancer. He was first diagnosed in 2015 and continued to perform for several years. He was buried at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg the day after his death, following Jewish custom.
What honors did Johnny Clegg receive from France?

In 1991, he was awarded the Knight of Arts and Letters by the French Government. He was also extremely popular in France, often outselling international stars like Michael Jackson in Lyon.
Who was Johnny Clegg's percussionist who was murdered?

His percussionist and dance partner Dudu Zulu was murdered in 1992. Clegg wrote the song The Crossing as a tribute to him.
What was the significance of the song 'One Human One Vote'?

The song was written in memory of Dr. David Webster, Clegg’s mentor who was assassinated on May 1, 1989 outside his Johannesburg home. It reflects on the struggle for democracy in South Africa.
What TV show did Johnny Clegg host for the 2010 World Cup?

He hosted the television program A Country Imagined in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The show explored South African culture and landscapes.
What is Johnny Clegg's legacy?

He is remembered as a cultural activist who used music to bridge racial divides during apartheid. His multi-racial bands Juluka and Savuka paved the way for integrated music in South Africa. He received South Africa’s highest honor, the Order of Ikhamanga, in 2012.
How many children did Johnny Clegg have?

He had two sons. One of them, Jesse Clegg, is a known alternative rock musician. The other son’s name is not publicly disclosed.
What did Johnny Clegg study at university?

He studied social anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand, earning a BA and a BAHons degree. He later taught the subject at the university level.
Was Johnny Clegg religious?

He identified himself as Jewish but was non-religious. He and his wife held a Jewish wedding ceremony along with a Zulu ceremony. He was buried according to Jewish custom.
What was the name of Johnny Clegg's debut album?

His debut album with Juluka was called Universal Men, released in 1979. It established the band’s fusion of Zulu and Western music.
Why did Johnny Clegg leave his teaching job?

The global popularity of his song Scatterlings of Africa forced him to give up his teaching position at the University of the Witwatersrand and pursue music full time.
What was Johnny Clegg's relationship with his father?

His biological father divorced his mother when he was an infant. He did not meet his father again until he was 21 years old. His stepfather was a crime reporter.
Did Johnny Clegg have any cameos in movies?

Yes, he had acting roles in films such as George of the Jungle 1997, Rain Man 1988, and Invictus 2009. He also appeared as a musical guest on TV shows like Saturday Night Live.
What is the meaning behind the nickname 'Le Zoulou Blanc'?

The nickname Le Zoulou Blanc translates to The White Zulu in French. It acknowledges his fluency in Zulu and his role in popularizing Zulu music and dance internationally.
How did Johnny Clegg contribute to ending apartheid?

He formed multi-racial bands Juluka and Savuka, defying apartheid laws that prohibited mixed-race groups. His music promoted unity and resistance, and he faced harassment and arrests from authorities.

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Published on October 18, 2026

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