Written by: Erin Drayton

Edited by: Zahraa Schroeder

Since his passing in 2019, South Africa has both mourned and paid tribute to Johnny Clegg’s legacy. Hoping for a Miracle brings together the voice of the legendary Johnny Clegg with vocalist Msaki. The unique collaboration weaves the past into the present.

The Hoping for a Miracle project is spearheaded and produced by singer-songwriter Jesse Clegg. “When I decided to do this, I wanted to do something that was more than just a cover,” says Jesse, “I wanted to reimagine my father’s music and breathe new life into these great and timeless songs.

‘Hoping for a Miracle” is a combination of four of my father’s career-defining songs that felt like they could co-exist in the same universe – it was my first time working with my father’s music as a producer and it was a very personal privilege to be able to connect with it in this way,” he adds.

This collaboration includes SA singer Msaki – who received the Best Female Artist Award at the SAMAs. Msaki graced the October issue of GLAMOUR magazine (South Africa), and has been trailblazing as South Africa’s most coveted and chart-topping vocalist.

Jesse told Smile FM that prior to the project, he didn’t know Msaki personally. He added that his request to collaborate, shocked the ‘Song Catcher’. “Msaki was my first choice as a collaborator and I’ve always been a fan of her music,” says Jesse, “She approached the project with reverence, excitement, and respect and brought her soulful energy to the project which was a beautiful addition.”

Msaki shares her passion for the music and nostalgia that the track evokes. “When Jesse called to explain his vision, my mind time traveled back to my dad’s cream Honda Ballade, where a lot of my music education began. This is where I first heard Salif Keita, Stimela, Kadja Nin, Brenda, and the Big Dudes, Genesis, and of course the one and only, Johnny Clegg.”

“I’ve been so honored to be part of this re-imagination because Johnny Clegg has a stake in my music foundation. I also just looked up to him as a human being and a seeker of truth. Jesse has managed to bring back to life a dream that I thought was not possible, for me to be on a song with one of my heroes. I can’t wait for people to hear this song,” says Msaki.

Hoping for a Miracle, is sure to ignite a new fire in the hearts of all South Africans! It is out now on all streaming platforms.

READ MORE: Here are your GRAMMYs 2023 Nominations