Johnny Clegg Net Worth

What was Johnny Clegg's Net Worth?

Johnny Clegg was a British-born musician and anthropologist from South Africa who had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2019. Johnny Clegg became internationally known for blending Western rock with traditional Zulu music. Nicknamed "The White Zulu," he broke barriers during apartheid by forming multiracial bands and performing music that defied the strict segregation laws of the time. Clegg first rose to prominence in the 1970s with the band Juluka, which he co-founded with Sipho Mchunu. Their mix of English lyrics, Zulu traditions, and socially conscious messages made them both controversial in South Africa and celebrated abroad. After Juluka disbanded, Clegg went on to lead the group Savuka, which achieved global success in the 1980s with hits like "Scatterlings of Africa" and "Asimbonanga," the latter a tribute to Nelson Mandela. Beyond his music, Clegg was admired for his courage and activism, often performing under threat of arrest. Over a career spanning four decades, he sold millions of records, toured internationally, and influenced generations of artists. Clegg's work stands as a cultural bridge that brought South African music to the world stage while also playing a role in the fight against apartheid.

Early Life

Jonathan Clegg was born on June 7, 1953, in Bacup, Lancashire, England. His mother was a cabaret and jazz singer from Zimbabwe, and after his parents separated, she moved with him to South Africa when he was a child. Clegg grew up in Johannesburg, where he was exposed to both Western music and African traditions. As a teenager, he began playing guitar and became fascinated by Zulu street music and dance. He was drawn into the culture, learning maskandi guitar styles and the energetic Zulu dance known as indlamu.

By the time he was a young man, Clegg had fully immersed himself in South African township life, even though it was illegal under apartheid for white and Black South Africans to socialize. His early experiences of cross-cultural exchange shaped not only his music but also his lifelong dedication to breaking down racial barriers.

Juluka

In 1969, Clegg met Sipho Mchunu, a Zulu migrant worker and guitarist. The two formed a friendship and began making music together, blending English folk-rock with Zulu rhythms and lyrics. Their collaboration led to the formation of Juluka in the late 1970s, one of South Africa's first multiracial bands. Because apartheid laws made their performances illegal, Juluka often faced police harassment, concert bans, and threats of imprisonment. Despite these obstacles, the band built a devoted following, both within South Africa and internationally.

Juluka released albums such as "Universal Men" (1979) and "African Litany" (1981), which contained the early version of "Scatterlings of Africa." Their music challenged the status quo and introduced global audiences to South African sounds, making them pioneers of what would later be known as "world music."

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Savuka and International Success

After Juluka disbanded in the mid-1980s, Clegg formed a new group, Savuka. The name meant "we have risen" in Zulu. With Savuka, Clegg broadened his sound to include more pop and rock elements while maintaining strong African roots. Their 1987 album "Third World Child" became an international hit, featuring the single "Asimbonanga," a powerful anthem calling for Nelson Mandela's release from prison.

"Asimbonanga" gained global attention and became a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement. Savuka went on to achieve worldwide success, touring extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia. The band sold millions of albums, and Clegg became one of the most prominent African artists on the global stage.

Later Career

In the 1990s and 2000s, Clegg continued to release solo work and perform around the world. His music maintained its cross-cultural foundation, blending languages, instruments, and rhythms to reflect the diversity of South Africa. He also worked as an anthropologist and lecturer, teaching about Zulu culture and music.

Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, Clegg continued to perform, embarking on a farewell tour that celebrated his decades-long career. He received numerous honors, including the Order of Ikhamanga from the South African government and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II.

Legacy

Johnny Clegg passed away on July 16, 2019, at the age of 66. His death was widely mourned in South Africa and around the world. Often called "The White Zulu," he left behind a legacy of music that defied racial divisions and introduced South African culture to millions. His songs remain enduring symbols of hope, unity, and resistance. More than a musician, he was a cultural ambassador whose art carried deep political and social impact.

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