Thursday, July 23, 2026

A00112 - Johnny Clegg's The Crossing (Osiyeza)

 

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Johnny Clegg
OBE OIS
Clegg singing and playing concertina
Clegg performing live in 2009
Born
Jonathan Paul Clegg

7 June 1953
Bacup, England
Died16 July 2019 (aged 66)
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Other nameLe Zoulou Blanc
Citizenship
  • United Kingdom
  • South Africa
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • instrumentalist
  • dancer
  • anthropologist
    anti-apartheid activist
Spouse
Jenny Bartlett
​
(m. 1988)​
ChildrenJesse Clegg
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
Years active1969–2018
LabelCapitol[2]
Formerly of
Websitejohnnyclegg.com

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Over the past few days, I continued to be fascinated by the career of Johnny Clegg.  In my view Johnny Clegg is one of the giants of South African history.  I again commend to you the Wikipedia article on Johnny Clegg



However, I also strongly advise that you view his Youtube video of Asimbonanga, a song Johnny Clegg composed and performed in tribute to Nelson Mandela and, in which, the Great Mandela appears and dances to the song about himself.


However, the song that has been embedded in my mind for the past few days is The Crossing, a song that Johnny Clegg composed and sang in tribute to Dudu Zulu, his long-time bandmate who was shot and killed attempting to mediate a taxi war in 1992. Here is Johnny Clegg singing the song on his own.


Twenty-five years later, as Clegg was in his final battle with pancreatic cancer, a group of some fifty all-star singers gathered to sing The Crossing in tribute to Johnny Clegg.  In viewing the video, you might see Peter Gabriel or Dave Mathews, but my eyes focused on the diminutive Zolani Mahola, of Freshlyground fame. However, whoever may catch your eye, each singer gives a spirited performance.


This song has been in my soul for the last four days.  It is an earworm which I cannot seem to escape.  Apparently, this song has also become somewhat of a resounding theme song for the young people of South Africa who are striving to create a rainbow nation.  See how these DHL employees sing the song


and how the song has even infiltrated the University of Stellenbosch 


I do not know if I will ever make it back to Amherst to perform my Memorial Service.  However, if I do, I plan on bringing The Crossing Osiyeza with me.


Peace, 

Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Class of 1975
July 23, 2026


----- Forwarded Message -----
From: skipjen2865@aol.com <skipjen2865@aol.com>
To: Everett Jenkins <skipjen2865@aol.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 05:07:14 AM PDT
Subject: Johnny Clegg, The White Zulu

While reading about South African township music via a Copilot search (see below), I was introduced to the group known as Juluka


and through Juluka, I was introduced to the extraordinary Johnny Clegg, the White Zulu


On this Sunday, I encourage everyone to read more about Johnny Clegg


and to understand why his spirit is still so alive 
Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Class of 1975
July 19, 2026




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Copilot Search Branding

South African township music is a vibrant, hybrid musical tradition born in the townships under apartheid, blending African rhythms, jazz, and local cultural expression.

Origins and Historical Context

Township music emerged in the 20th century within South Africa’s racially segregated urban areas, known as townships, which were created under apartheid to house black South Africans in poor, overcrowded conditions ( WikipediaWikipedia). These communities, despite systemic oppression, became hubs of cultural creativity. Early forms of township music, such as marabi, developed in the 1920s and 1930s in Johannesburg’s shebeens (illegal bars), combining African rhythms with missionary hymns and jazz influences ( lovetovisitsouthafrica.comlovetovisitsouthafrica.com+1). Marabi was characterized by hypnotic, cyclical piano patterns that kept communities dancing and socially connected.

Key Genres

  • Marabi: The foundational style, jazz-influenced, piano-driven, and repetitive, designed to sustain long dancing sessions in shebeens ( lovetovisitsouthafrica.comlovetovisitsouthafrica.com+1).
  • Kwela: Developed in the 1950s, kwela is pennywhistle-based street music with lively, danceable melodies. Its name means “get up” in Zulu and Sotho, reflecting both joy and the need to evade police ( lovetovisitsouthafrica.comlovetovisitsouthafrica.com+1).
  • Mbaqanga: Evolving from marabi and American jazz, mbaqanga incorporates Zulu musical traditions and became the dominant township sound in the later 20th century ( WikipediaWikipedia).

Cultural Significance

Township music was more than entertainment; it was a form of resistance and social cohesion. Musicians expressed the struggles of apartheid, the longing for freedom, and the resilience of their communities ( WikipediaWikipedia+1). The music often integrated polyrhythms, call-and-response vocals, and a mix of traditional and Western instruments, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of township residents ( hubpages.comhubpages.com).

Notable Artists

Prominent figures in township music include:

  • Hugh Masekela – jazz trumpeter and composer
  • Miriam Makeba – singer and civil rights activist
  • Brenda Fassie – pop and township-style music icon
  • Lucky Dube – reggae and township-influenced music
  • Juluka – band blending Zulu music with Western styles ( hubpages.comhubpages.com)

Contemporary Influence

Township music continues to influence modern South African genres, including house, kwaito, and Afro-pop. Its legacy is evident in the global recognition of South African music, where the fusion of rhythm, melody, and social commentary remains central ( YouTubeYouTube+1).
Township music represents a unique cultural expression born from adversity, combining historical, social, and musical elements that continue to shape South Africa’s vibrant music scene today.



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