Johnny Clegg will be bringing the sounds of South Africa to the UK during World Cup season, with an exclusive show at the Forum in Kentish Town on Saturday.
On Wednesday and Thursday Clegg will perform at the Rio Loco Festival in France, where he enjoys a massive following and is widely known as the White Zulu; next week he’ll be heading back to South Africa for a 30th Anniversary Concert at the Civic Theatre in Johannesburg.
Born in Britain and raised in South Africa, Clegg has established himself as one of South Africa's biggest musical exports, selling more than five million albums worldwide. He pioneered a new and unique sound, mixing Zulu musical structures with English lyrics and melodies, covering a variety of styles and rhythms.
In the early 1970s, he formed the first inter-racial band South African band, Juluka, with Sipho Mchunu. The band contravened the apartheid laws, and subsequently their first album received no air play - the only way to reach audiences was by touring. Based on their exceptional live performances, the album became a word-of-mouth hit. When Juluka split up in the mid-80s, Clegg formed Savuka, continuing to blend African and European music. Towards the end of the 80s, they were the leading world music group touring Francophone countries.
Though censored on South African radio, Johnny Clegg and Savuka won a huge following abroad with their spirited live shows and classic songs like Asimbonanga (written for Nelson Mandela before his release from Robben Island prison) and hits, including Scatterlings of Africa, Great Heart, Impi, The Crossing (Osiyeza), and Cruel, Crazy Beautiful World.
Johnny Clegg, plus special guest Arno Carstens, will be performing live at the Forum in Kentish Town on Saturday 19 June 2010. Support by by Trenton and Free Radical.
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster
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