Johnny Clegg: Critical Reflections on His Music and Influence

This book examines the profound legacy of Johnny Clegg (1953-2019), the South African musician, anthropologist and cultural activist who revolutionised the nation’s musical landscape. From his groundbreaking collaboration with Sipho Mchunu in the 1970s through to his success with Juluka and Savuka, and as a solo artist, Clegg navigated apartheid-era censorship while reshaping South African cultural politics.

Drawing on unprecedented access to archival materials and band member interviews, this interdisciplinary research analyses Clegg’s unique position as both scholar and performer. The study presents three critical interventions: an examination of his synthesis of music, dance and political philosophy as embodied resistance to apartheid; an analysis of his transnational impact and navigation of the global cultural boycott; and an investigation of cultural appropriation and decolonial practice through his engagement with, and reinterpretation of Zulu traditions.

Situated at the intersection of ethnomusicology, anthropology and African studies, this volume offers fresh theoretical frameworks for understanding cultural hybridity and postcolonial performance. It positions Clegg’s work within broader discussions of race, power and cultural production in the Global South.

Michael Drewett (Editor)
Michael Drewett is a professor in the Department of Sociology at Rhodes University, South Africa. He is co-editor of Popular Music Censorship in Africa and Peter Gabriel: From Genesis to Growing Up.

Lucilla Spini (Editor)
Lucilla Spini is a bio-anthropologist and sustainability expert and is Senior Research Fellow at the Italian National Research Council’s Institute for Heritage Science (CNR-ISPC), Rome.