Exclusive interview with musician Johnny Clegg

 

Johnny Clegg’s reputation as one of the foremost South African musicians, if not one of the most important South Africans of his generation, has been won over several decades of struggle and hard work. In anticipation of his tour to Australia and New Zealand in March, Rob Flude chatted to him.

 

A cursory glance over Johnny Clegg’s biography will reveal a remarkable story; the formation of multiracial bands Juluka and Savuka in an apartheid-ridden country showed great courage, and prices were paid. The incorporation of Zulu lyrics into his songs must have frustrated his government as much as it delighted those with minds open enough to appreciate the cultural subtext, and ears open enough to enjoy the powerful music he has created through the years.

 

You were born in the UK, why did your parents move to Africa?

My mum was Rhodesian, and my dad a British airman and she returned home when I was seven after they got divorced. She then remarried and moved to South Africa.

How many trips have you made to Australia and New Zealand?

This will be my third trip. We’ve also toured New Caledonia before.

Where’s your favourite place to travel and/or perform in Australia?

The tour is a bit of a blur as we do five shows in Australia and two in New Zealand in 10 days. There are some brilliant theatres so it would be unfair to say one is better than the other. Sydney had the best audience, about 2,000 in the crowd! This will be the first time we are being promoted by an Australian, as my team and I used to do all that stuff before.

Where’s the worst place you’ve travelled/performed?

We’ve got into some tough situations before, for example in Naples, where none of our technical requirements were met! It was a nightmare, we virtually played an acoustic set. Generally speaking, I don’t bother with what a place offers in terms of accommodation or food as they are not an important part of the experience. I am more concerned with the culture, the people, the politics. I’m a curious guy and enjoy writing about those sorts of things.

How did your music style develop and why does it appeal to the Europeans (especially the French) so much?

It’s a crossover style, it’s not world music. Every song has a different spice and I draw on indie rock, dance, and African choral music among others. It’s a buffet of styles really, and maybe that’s what appeals to Europeans?

Do you still get nervous after all these years, especially when you have a large audience going crazy for you?

I usually can’t wait to get out there, I get excited. I only get nervous if there’s a technical issue, but even though I’ve been doing this for 30 years, it hasn’t happened too often.

Have you got a favourite song, one that really gives you proper gees at a concert?

Not one in particular, but I do cherish ones that mark off my life, such as Scatterlings of Africa and Asimbonanga.

When did you first do the now-famous kick?

It’s from a traditional Zulu war dance, which I’d learnt from about age 14, and I started integrating it into Juluka performances.

How do you keep fit?

Aerobics and cycling. I watch my weight, especially my muscle mass. I also drink very little alcohol and I don’t smoke.

How do you choose your band members?

My musical director, Andy Innes, deals with that. He does all the auditions and as he’s been working with me for the past 19 years, he has a great understanding of what I look for in a musician.

What does the near future bring for Johnny Clegg the artist and the band?

Later in the year, we’re touring Canada and the USA, doing 30 shows there. Then we head back to South Africa for some more performances. In October, we’re playing at the Royal Albert Hall in London. We are also looking at getting to China at some point.

I believe you have some investment properties – what other business interests do you have?

I am a shareholder in a South African electronic and hazardous waste recycling business. It’s a green company and I’ve been with them for eight years now. I also have financial interests in radio and other music companies. One could say I have a fairly diverse portfolio!

With thanks to Lionel Midford Publicity for organising the interview with Johnny.

 

This article originally appeared on The South African in 2012.

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