Words: Tracy Knox ǀ Photos: Jina Min, Real Concerts. Article from the November 2014 issue of DO IT NOW Online Magazine.
Entertainment
Last week I had the incredibly good fortune to see not just one Clegg live in action, but both; Jesse first, followed by the legendary Johnny Clegg. These performances were extra special for me as I had never been to one of their shows before, so I couldn’t wait to experience this Clegg celebration.
Jessie Clegg
First up was Jesse Clegg’s one-off performance on Tuesday, 23 October 2014, at The Venue, in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, which was recorded live for his unplugged album to be released later this year. This lovely, intimate setting set the tone for the evening and from the moment Jesse walked onto stage, he kept the audience entertained with his special brand of alternative rock music. With his relaxed yet engaging stage presence and the wonderful stories he shared about the origins of many of his songs, it was so easy to get caught up and swept along as he sang some new songs, some hit songs from his albums “When I Wake Up” and “Life on Mars”, and a few cover versions. Wow, wow, wow.
What I also found really endearing about this performance was the bond between Jesse and his band members, and just how much they were enjoying themselves. Their passion and love of music came through on every note and because they were having fun, so were we.
Being the son of the iconic South-African musician Johnny Clegg must have had its benefits, but I’m also sure that Jesse has probably had to work twice as hard to make a name for himself as an artist. In my book, with his amazing voice, quiet charm and good looks to boot, he has definitely found his own place amongst the stars.
Johnny Clegg
After such an incredible evening, I couldn’t wait to find out first-hand why everyone raved so much about the world-renowned singer, songwriter, dancer, musical activist and anthropologist Johnny Clegg. It didn’t take me long to find out why his infectious crossover music, a vibrant blend of Western pop and African Zulu rhythms, has taken the world by storm and broken through all the barriers in South Africa.
Despite having flown in from Canada earlier that day, Johnny was pure energy as he sang, danced and strummed his way through the show. Within minutes, he had the audience at the Mandela at Joberg Theatre under his spell as he took us on a magical journey with some humorous and informative anecdotes from his 30+ year musical career that touched upon anthropology, ethnography, his love of dance and the life-long friendships he made along the way – the basis from which his songs originated.
Not only were we treated to his wonderful stories, we were also given a number of demonstrations of the different types of dance that shaped his early life and future. From Zulu war dancing to the isishameni dance styles of the migrants, Johnny shared his vast knowledge on the different dance styles and history that went with them. This performance must rank as my most memorable and enjoyable history lessons ever.
To the absolute delight of the audience, Johnny’s repertoire included the hits songs “I Call Your Name”, “Scatterlings of Africa”, “African Sky Blue”, “Take My Heart Away”, “African Shadow Man”, “December African Rain”, “Kilimanjaro” and “Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World”.
Halfway through the evening, Johnny was joined on stage by his long-time friend and Zulu musician, Sipho Mchunu, with whom he formed the first prominent racially mixed South African band, Juluka. Seeing them play together was incredibly special, their performance in perfect harmony, testament to their skills as musicians and the many years they had performed together.
At the end of the show, the audience rose to their feet for a standing ovation to honor this great musician, whose history is as bold, colourful and dashing as the rainbow country he has called home for more than 40 years.
More information
Jesse Clegg upcoming show dates:
7 November – Open Strings, Kloof, Durban
15 November – Delamar Wine Estate, Pretoria
22 November – Laughing Chefs, Pretoria
26 November – Bar 129 Flamingo Casino, Kimberley
29 November – Hope Festival, Paul Cluver Wine Estate
Jesse then moves on to the Eastern Cape and Western Cape where he will be touring for 5 weeks. Dates will be available on his website soon – http://jesseclegg.com/
Johnny Clegg upcoming show dates:
9 November – Durban Botanical Gardens (Full band), Cape Town
30 Novemer – The Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens Show (Full band), Roodepoort,Gauteng
21 December – The Zevenwacht Wine Estate Show (Full band), Cape Town
Tickets for all these shows at Computicket. For more information, visit http://www.johnnyclegg.com/
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