Johnny Clegg Band

South Africa’s Johnny Clegg was instrumental in the fight against apartheid: his 1970s band Juluka, which combined Zulu chants and rhythms with western rock music, was also the conflict-ridden country’s first mixed-race ensemble. It represented a call for social justice that was also musically groundbreaking. Clegg parted ways with his Zulu co-founder, Sipho Mchunu, and went on to found Savuka (a Zulu word for “we have awakened”) in 1986. Selling millions of records and touring the world, Clegg’s new band further galvanized support for a freer South Africa via songs that hailed Nelson Mandela (then still jailed) or demanded “One Human One Vote.” Recently, Clegg reunited with Sipho for a tour and recording session. His newest version of Savuka offers his classic protest anthems alongside hip-hop-meets-Zulu dance numbers and other influences such as reggae. Don’t miss out this time on hearing one of the world’s most exciting and passionate bands playing the music of Juluka and Savuka!