South African musician, activist Johnny Clegg dead at 66

Johnny Clegg, the musician and singer known for playing his music in defiance of the apartheid policies of South Africa, died on Tuesday after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer.



Clegg died at his family home in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday, July 16, at the age of 66.


“It is extremely tough for [his family] and we ask the media and the public to respect them and their privacy at this time,” said Roddy Quin, his manager of 30 years.

“For everyone, it’s devastating,” he added.



Before his death, the activist co-founded two interracial bands, including Juluka with Sipho Mchunu and Savuka with Dudu Zulu. His music which was influenced by Zulu and folk harmonies was described as groundbreaking during the apartheid era, and it gained him international renown and the nickname "White Zulu."