It was interesting watching who came along to the Johnny Clegg show in Melbourne last night. It was not based on demographic, gender or nationality. Johnny Clegg has built a fan base from across the community.
To describe the music of Johnny Clegg as “world music” is somewhat, if not entirely, accurate. The Clegg sound is rooted in the sounds of Africa. After all, he earned the name ‘The White Zulu’ when he was still in his teenage years. However, Johnny Clegg has managed to mix Zulu rhythm with pop and rock to create his own sound. It was this Clegg sound that Paul Simon discovered and based his Graceland album on.
Clegg live is a interesting mix of music and culture. He connects with the head, the heart and the feet when he performs. By watching Johnny Clegg live, you learn a little about who he is and why he is along the way. You are also treated to around 2 hours of a 30 year career.
Johnny Clegg was born in London but migrated to South Africa when he was 6 months old. He sings about what he knows and what he has learned and shares that knowledge with his audience.
He played the concertina and explained its relevance to the African people. It was a simple instrument to play as they moved from town to town.
The cultural experience includes Zulu dancing with Clegg and dancer Sabelo Qoma. Sabelo is the son of Bafazana, Clegg’s stickfighting mentor. Sabelo showcases the traditional dance of isishameni and umzansi in the show. With Sabelo, Clegg demonstrated the art of the fightingstick by way of dance.
Andy Innes is a former member of Suvuka. He is Clegg’s musical director playing guitar and mandolin as well as vocals. He has played more than 200 cities in 28 countries in his time with Johnny Clegg.
The gem of the show is the extremely talented Mandisa Dlanga. Mandisa has toured and recorded with Clegg since 1986. She has also worked with Paul Simon, Simply Red and Jennifer Rush as well as South African stars Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba.
I’m not sure people were expecting to see such an energetic show. Clegg’s tribal rhythms had them on their feet.
It has been nearly 4 years since Johnny Clegg last toured Australia. He promises to return in 2010.
Here is the setlist from the Johnny Clegg show at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda for May 25, 2009:
Africa (from Universal Men, 1979)
Giyani (from Third World Child, 1987)
Sky Blue (from African Litany, 1981)
Shadillis
December
Jongosi
Kilimanjaro (from Stand Your Ground, 1984)
Maonjeni
Bullets
The Crossing (from Heat, Dust and Dreams, 1993)
Interval
I Call Out Your Name
Impi (from African Litany, 1981)
Your Time Will Come
Tough Enough
Great Heart (from Third World Child, 1987)
Scatterlings of Africa (from Third World Child, 1987)
Cruel Crazy
Encore:
Asimbonanga (from Third World Child, 1987)
Danse
Dela
Remaining dates on the Australian and New Zealand tour are:
Sydney: Tuesday 26th May 2009 Sydney State Theatre
Brisbane: Thursday 28th May 2009 QPAC Concert Hall
Wellington: Saturday 30th May 2009 St. James, Opera Hall
Auckland: Monday 1st June 2009 Auckland Town Hall, The Edge
