Johnny Clegg succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 66 on the afternoon of 16 July 2019 at his family home in Johannesburg.
His manager, friend and family spokesman Roddy Quin released a statement:
“Johnny leaves deep foot prints in the hearts of every person that considers him/herself to be an African. He showed us what it was to assimilate to and embrace other cultures without losing your identity. An anthropologist that used his music to speak to every person. With his unique style of music he traversed cultural barriers like few others. In many of us he awakened awareness.”
Johnny was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 but despite fighting cancer continued to tour and perform around the world to pay homage to his fans worldwide. Johnny is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jenny and their two sons Jesse and Jaron.
Tributes have been pouring in on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ZukxDaKid/status/1151188835625263105
A towering giant has fallen with the passing of legendary Singer-songwriter & Anthropologist Johnny Clegg. Our hearts are sore & as he famously sang in Asimbonanga "oh the sea is cold & the sky is grey" as we contend with the loss of a torchbearer of our struggle for freedom. pic.twitter.com/35RGuWGn02
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) July 16, 2019
What an amazing life lived with a testimony that non-racialism is indeed possible. Rest easy Johnny Clegg….#JohnnyClegg pic.twitter.com/i8Qs8r9uuT
— Pop Marley
(@sveveni) July 16, 2019
Rest In Peace Johnny Clegg
Listen to 25 of Johnny Clegg's contributions to the world:https://t.co/VipYhMAWcL
and share yours so we can add them: https://t.co/rYFkwFR2rR #johnnyclegg #ripjohnnyclegg pic.twitter.com/5X0HzgYkLa
— CapeTownMag (@capetownmag) July 16, 2019
