Kerry-Anne Allerston
Image: Supplied
I was leaving his friend Verny’s studio maybe twenty years ago when I bumped into him at the door. It was the first time we’d properly met and it was only a quick hello, but there was a warmth and kindness about him that stayed with me long afterwards.
Over the years I became friends with some of the band members and I’d make a point of catching their shows whenever I could. We’d often end up sharing a meal after the gig and, before I knew it, it had become a yearly tradition. I’m talking about a person who came into this world and changed it simply by being here. Someone courageous, unique and extraordinary. A beam of light who seemed to bring people together wherever he went. It was his birthday recently and he’s been on my mind a lot. I’m talking about the legendary Johnny Clegg, who would have turned 73 on June 7.
I think most of us make a difference while we’re here. It doesn’t matter how much or how little we have, only that what we do, we do with kindness, compassion and love. It often makes me wonder what the world would be like if people as impactful as Johnny Clegg had been given more time. So many of those who stand up for what matters, whether loudly or quietly, seem to leave us far too soon. Imagine if Johnny Clegg, Bob Marley and John Lennon were all still here, still creating, still inspiring and still encouraging us to build a better world. I know I’m only mentioning a handful of remarkable people, but I’m grateful that the footprints they left behind remain visible through their music and the messages they shared.
Johnny’s influence stretched far beyond South Africa. Through songs like Great Heart, Asimbonanga, Scatterlings of Africa and Cruel Crazy Beautiful World, he introduced audiences around the globe to stories of humanity, unity and hope. And I say it often, but we have nothing if we don’t have hope. And love, of course. Known affectionately as The White Zulu, he broke barriers at a time when doing so came with real challenges. His music brought together cultures, languages and communities, proving that art really does have the power to connect people in ways that very little else can.
I’m always rambling on about music and its ability to bring us together and make us feel something. Sometimes it helps us celebrate. Sometimes it helps us heal. I’ve met people from all over the world who attended Johnny’s shows through the years and many still speak about those performances with so much emotion. There was something special about the energy he created on stage. People didn’t just watch a concert. It was a life-changing experience.
That legacy continues through his son, the amazing Jesse Clegg, who recently released his beautiful Entropy EP with the incredibly talented superstar Msaki. They’ve been touring internationally and recently performed at the wonderful Bushfire Festival in Eswatini. Last week also saw Jesse release a special collaboration of Great Heart featuring his dad and, in my opinion, it remains one of the most inspiring songs ever recorded. If you haven’t heard it yet, both Great Heart and Woza Friday are available on digital platforms and well worth adding to your playlist.
The celebration of music and togetherness continues with Scatterlings Music Festival, which arrives at Huddle Park on August 1. The event will feature a spectacular line up including Jesse Clegg, Zakes Bantwini, Sjava, Tresor, Simmy, Sun El Musician, Msaki, Muzi, J’Something, Zolani Mahola, Sminofu and many more. More than just a music festival, Scatterlings is a celebration of culture, connection and community, where the music, the vibe and the crowd will all become part of such a special story.
A warm shout out to the Clegg family, Roddy Quinn and the management team who have worked alongside Johnny and Jesse for decades. Thank you for helping to keep an exceptional legacy alive and ensuring that future generations can continue to discover the magic, kindness and wisdom that your Johnny Clegg shared with this cruel, crazy, beautiful world.