SA music icon Johnny Clegg has died

Johnny Clegg has died.
Johnny Clegg has died.
Image: CAROLYN COLE/LOS ANGELES TIMES VIA GETTY IMAGES

Veteran musician Johnny Clegg has died at the age of 66.

Cleggs's family confirmed on Tuesday night that the Impi hitmaker died.

His manager of 30 years, Roddy Quin, said that Clegg died "with his family at home" on Tuesday afternoon.

He also confirmed that the singer-songwriter's death was linked to his pancreatic cancer in 2015.

"It's extremely tough for [his family] and we ask for the media and the public to respect them and their privacy at this time," said Quin.

"For everyone, it's devastating," he added.

Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 and has spoken about the effect the disease on his outlook on life.

In 2017, the legendary musician said “living on a sentence” made him appreciate everything in his life more, including precious moments with his family and friends.

http://www.friendsofjohnnyclegg.com - In 2018 a group of well-known musicians came together to celebrate the life and work of Johnny Clegg and recorded a special version of his song - THE CROSSING. All proceeds will go to the ‘Friends of Johnny Clegg Fund’ for primary education. The fund is all about changing lives of young learners all across South Africa, through literacy programmes and using technology in education to pursue outcomes-based interventions. The Fund is managed by The Click Foundation who will distribute funds to their various centers across South Africa. Visit the FriendsOfJohnnyClegg website for more information on the singers, or how to contribute to the Fund. THE CROSSING - JOHNNY CLEGG Through all the days that eat away At every breath that I take Through all the nights I've lain alone In someone else's dream, awake All the words in truth we have spoken That the wind has blown away It's only you that remains with me Clear as the light of day O Siyeza, o siyeza , sizofika webaba noma (we are coming, we are coming, we will arrive soon) O siyeza, o siyeza, siyagudle lomhlaba (we are coming, we are coming, we are moving across this earth) Siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama (we are crossing over those dark mountains) Lapha sobheka phansi konke ukhulupheka (where we will lay down our troubles) A punch drunk man in a downtown bar Takes a beating without making a sound Through swollen eyes he sways and smiles 'Cause no one can put him down Inside of him a boy looks up to his father For a sign or an approving eye Oh, it's funny how those once so close and now gone Can still so affect our lives O Siyeza, o siyeza , sizofika webaba noma (we are coming, we are coming, we will arrive soon) O siyeza, o siyeza, siyagudle lomhlaba (we are coming, we are coming, we are moving across this earth) Siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama (we are crossing over those dark mountains) Lapha sobheka phansi konke ukhulupheka (where we will lay down our troubles) Take me now, don't let go Hold me close, I'm coming home O Siyeza, o siyeza , sizofika webaba noma (we are coming, we are coming, we will arrive soon) O siyeza, o siyeza, siyagudle lomhlaba (we are coming, we are coming, we are moving across this earth) Siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama (we are crossing over those dark mountains) Lapha sobheka phansi konke ukhulupheka (where we will lay down our troubles)

subscribe

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.