Poetry competition CLOSED 30th July 2019 7:23pm
WINNER
poetOftragedy
poetOftragedy
Page:
Tribute To Johnny Clegg
Poetry Contest Description
Calling All South African Writers & The International Community Who Knew Of Him... Let's Pay Tribute.
Give him the poetic send off he deserves.
Tuesday : 16 July 2019 - 7:18pm
JOHANNESBURG - South African singer Johnny Clegg has died at the age of 66 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 but continued to tour and perform around the world.
He received the Order of Ikhamanga as part of the national orders in 2012.
Clegg's manager Roddy Quin confirmed the legendary musician's passing.
Quin said in a statement, "Johnny leaves deep footprints 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."
Clegg is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jenny and their two sons Jesse and Jaron.
https://m.channel24.co.za/Music/News/confirmed-south-african-music-legend-johnny-clegg-66-dies-20190716
Ode To Johnny Clegg
Your voice saved
broke the silence
of slavery
your mind shared
equality and understanding
your body brought
dance
and I remember the day
Nelson Mandela
danced with you on the
international stage
Your Gum boots
the rhythm of miners
your guitar the timing
of discussion
and you stood as our
truest Activism leader
through two decades
of change
Now your body a Neoplasm
of disaster
and we learn to deal
with the end of
your era
your stage
your live wire
we will learn to live by
the value of recordings
Youtube uploads
and
the Chemocatastophic future
And I call, I call
the Doctors
the Scientists
the Social Workers
to call
Tell us, just tell us
what is needed
we'll activitate the masses
to the call
let's learn to beat this
Cancer
let's beat it
once and for all
"We'll do it for Johnny"
-x-
Notes:-
In dedication to a life on stage
as it tours the world, taking the final bow
a curtsy to the call
of activism that stood the test of time.
Watch this video to the end, my friend....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGS7SpI7obY
"It is through music and dance that I am at peace with the world
and at peace with myself" - Nelson Mandela - France 1999
For an understanding of the gum boot dance reference...
https://youtu.be/9zv0iogsjHU
-x-
Cancer is no longer a health issue!
It is a international Human Rights issue!
-x-
Written by RevolutionAL
(Alistair Plint)
Go To Page
Some Inspiration for you....
https://youtu.be/BGS7SpI7obY
https://youtu.be/k_jFB1Z2KP4
https://youtu.be/6Ca2uVZuiY0
https://youtu.be/WKWEEpA0HkY
https://youtu.be/BGS7SpI7obY
https://youtu.be/k_jFB1Z2KP4
https://youtu.be/6Ca2uVZuiY0
https://youtu.be/WKWEEpA0HkY
JOHNNY CLEGG 1953 - 2019
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 July 2019
It is with immense sadness that we confirm that Jonathan (Johnny) Clegg, OBE OIS succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 66 on the afternoon of 16 July 2019 at his family home in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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 born on 7 June 1953 in Bacup, Lancashire England and moved to Johannesburg, South Africa with his Rhodesian mother when he was 6 years old. His exposure to Zulu migrant workers during adolescence introduced him to the culture and music. His involvement with black musicians often saw him arrested during Apartheid.
At the age of 17, together with Sipho Mchunu they formed their first band called Juluka. At the age of 33 in 1986 during the height of Apartheid he partnered with Dudu Zulu to form his second inter-racial band called Savuka. Clegg also recorded several solo albums and enjoyed international success selling out concerts wherever he performed.
Apart from lecturing at the Universities of the Witwatersrand and Natal respectively, Johnny studied anthropology and combined his studies with music.
He was awarded by a number of local and international bodies for his contribution to music and society notably by the French Government in 1991 with a Knight of Arts and Letters, and in 2015 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2012 he received the Order of Ikhamanga from the South African government. He was awarded a number of Honorary doctorates by the Universities of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), Dartmouth College in the USA and the City University of New York.
He authored and published the book "UkuBuyisa Isidumbu" (1981, Ravan Press), and presented papers on "The Music of Zulu Immigrant Workers in Johannesburg" in 1981 at the Grahamstown International Library of African Music and "Towards an understanding of African Dance: The Zulu Isishameni Style" in 1982 at Rhodes University.
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.
His passing has left us numb and we request that the family's privacy be respected during this trying time.
The family will be holding a Private funeral service and we ask you to please respect the families wishes.
There will be a service for public to pay their respects and the details hereof will be announced in due course.
Roddy Quin
Manager, friend and family spokesman
REAL MANAGEMENT
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 July 2019
It is with immense sadness that we confirm that Jonathan (Johnny) Clegg, OBE OIS succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 66 on the afternoon of 16 July 2019 at his family home in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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 born on 7 June 1953 in Bacup, Lancashire England and moved to Johannesburg, South Africa with his Rhodesian mother when he was 6 years old. His exposure to Zulu migrant workers during adolescence introduced him to the culture and music. His involvement with black musicians often saw him arrested during Apartheid.
At the age of 17, together with Sipho Mchunu they formed their first band called Juluka. At the age of 33 in 1986 during the height of Apartheid he partnered with Dudu Zulu to form his second inter-racial band called Savuka. Clegg also recorded several solo albums and enjoyed international success selling out concerts wherever he performed.
Apart from lecturing at the Universities of the Witwatersrand and Natal respectively, Johnny studied anthropology and combined his studies with music.
He was awarded by a number of local and international bodies for his contribution to music and society notably by the French Government in 1991 with a Knight of Arts and Letters, and in 2015 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2012 he received the Order of Ikhamanga from the South African government. He was awarded a number of Honorary doctorates by the Universities of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), Dartmouth College in the USA and the City University of New York.
He authored and published the book "UkuBuyisa Isidumbu" (1981, Ravan Press), and presented papers on "The Music of Zulu Immigrant Workers in Johannesburg" in 1981 at the Grahamstown International Library of African Music and "Towards an understanding of African Dance: The Zulu Isishameni Style" in 1982 at Rhodes University.
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.
His passing has left us numb and we request that the family's privacy be respected during this trying time.
The family will be holding a Private funeral service and we ask you to please respect the families wishes.
There will be a service for public to pay their respects and the details hereof will be announced in due course.
Roddy Quin
Manager, friend and family spokesman
REAL MANAGEMENT
compassion, not just passion
what separates an idol
a role model
from a celebrity?
not passion
but compassion
compassion that
will not wither
nor waver
with tests of time
or illness
tyranny can can only embolden
a warrior
with a heart
and a weapon invincible
his art
and what better way
to go
than doing what one loves
art knows no bounds
so
the ones who create artificial boundaries
amongst the humans
learnt
when he burnt
their tyranny with his
cold fire
of compassion
and unwavering courage
what separates a celebrity
from an artist?
an artist
lives
beyond his age
he sees something
says something
cannot be silenced
he acts
reacts
till he breathes his last
he does what he knows best
with passion
compassion
Rest in Peace dear Artist
for you live in your art
and your nation's heart
the laws of time
and death
apply to you not
what separates an idol
a role model
from a celebrity?
not passion
but compassion
compassion that
will not wither
nor waver
with tests of time
or illness
tyranny can can only embolden
a warrior
with a heart
and a weapon invincible
his art
and what better way
to go
than doing what one loves
art knows no bounds
so
the ones who create artificial boundaries
amongst the humans
learnt
when he burnt
their tyranny with his
cold fire
of compassion
and unwavering courage
what separates a celebrity
from an artist?
an artist
lives
beyond his age
he sees something
says something
cannot be silenced
he acts
reacts
till he breathes his last
he does what he knows best
with passion
compassion
Rest in Peace dear Artist
for you live in your art
and your nation's heart
the laws of time
and death
apply to you not
Tribute to Johnny Clegg
The Sun went down and it never came up.
A colour blind hero was born.
During tough times.
He went against the tides.
When South Africa was plagued with apartheid.
He saw no difference between black and white.
United the nation with his voice.
And we all knew his songs.
You thought us courage,
Showed us the way.
Without you this world will never be the same
Rea holeboha Wena Morena.
(We thank you O' Lord.)
A true hero of the struggle.
We thank you.
O Siyeza, o siyeza , sizofika webaba noma
(we are coming, we are coming, we will arrive soon)
O siyeza, o siyeza, siyagudle lomhlaba
(we are coming, we are coming, we are moving across this earth)
Siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama
(we are crossing over those dark mountains)
Lapha sobheka phansi konke ukhulupheka
(where we will lay down our troubles)
In this words your shall live forever
I've written you in my heart and you'll live forever.
Kere falleha Morena Zolou Blanc
(Go now, king Zolou Blanc)
Tshidiseha Africa, nalane ya lefatse e wele.
(Godspeed Africa, a star of the world has fallen)
Lala honna shwalane e wele.
(Rest in me, dawn is upon us)
Robala ka kgotso, empa Seka robala boroko.
(Rest in peace but don't forget us)
We'll forever miss you.
Your death is a stabbing wound to heart
But your legacy will leave on.
Legends never die.
Rest in peace Johnny Clegg.
A colour blind hero was born.
During tough times.
He went against the tides.
When South Africa was plagued with apartheid.
He saw no difference between black and white.
United the nation with his voice.
And we all knew his songs.
You thought us courage,
Showed us the way.
Without you this world will never be the same
Rea holeboha Wena Morena.
(We thank you O' Lord.)
A true hero of the struggle.
We thank you.
O Siyeza, o siyeza , sizofika webaba noma
(we are coming, we are coming, we will arrive soon)
O siyeza, o siyeza, siyagudle lomhlaba
(we are coming, we are coming, we are moving across this earth)
Siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama
(we are crossing over those dark mountains)
Lapha sobheka phansi konke ukhulupheka
(where we will lay down our troubles)
In this words your shall live forever
I've written you in my heart and you'll live forever.
Kere falleha Morena Zolou Blanc
(Go now, king Zolou Blanc)
Tshidiseha Africa, nalane ya lefatse e wele.
(Godspeed Africa, a star of the world has fallen)
Lala honna shwalane e wele.
(Rest in me, dawn is upon us)
Robala ka kgotso, empa Seka robala boroko.
(Rest in peace but don't forget us)
We'll forever miss you.
Your death is a stabbing wound to heart
But your legacy will leave on.
Legends never die.
Rest in peace Johnny Clegg.
Written by poetOftragedy
Go To Page
Lyrics of unite #Tribute to Johnny Clegg
V1
Compose that melody from out the slums
With visions from the dirt it comes
For deprivation in the streets
The tribal drum beat of their needs
Chorus
The strum that bent aparthied ear
Its message ringing loud and clear
Give us, give us our rights not genocide
The nations blood in black and white
Come sing with me on the rising tide
V2
The cell that rules and then divides
To turn against its host and thrive
Society cannot be repaired
When few have much and the nations body hurts
Repeat chorus
V3
When to sing in sharps and flats
The discord when one string is broke
To carry on and still to know
The messages of love and unity so powerfull
Repeat chorus
V4
The end of life cant deny a talent great
In death the backing vocals fade
That corruption that you fought carried that spade
You recordings be your last parade
Play that again for the enchore we said
Repeat chorus
Compose that melody from out the slums
With visions from the dirt it comes
For deprivation in the streets
The tribal drum beat of their needs
Chorus
The strum that bent aparthied ear
Its message ringing loud and clear
Give us, give us our rights not genocide
The nations blood in black and white
Come sing with me on the rising tide
V2
The cell that rules and then divides
To turn against its host and thrive
Society cannot be repaired
When few have much and the nations body hurts
Repeat chorus
V3
When to sing in sharps and flats
The discord when one string is broke
To carry on and still to know
The messages of love and unity so powerfull
Repeat chorus
V4
The end of life cant deny a talent great
In death the backing vocals fade
That corruption that you fought carried that spade
You recordings be your last parade
Play that again for the enchore we said
Repeat chorus
Written by slipalong
Go To Page
The Tide is Turning
His songs echo somewhere in the distance,
Resonant of the love for the human race,
A voice telling us the tide was turning,
Ready to embrace the new coming days.
His music and art broke through barriers,
Shifting a culture and even a nation,
His great heart gave so much to the world,
In each composition we find inspiration.
A catalyst for change and understanding,
A generous and warm human being,
His message one of light and sympathy,
Seeking freedom that wasn’t just dreaming.
Now Johnny has come to that crossing,
A beautiful soul the future will come to learn,
His life is a testament to all of mankind,
A man who led the way as the tides turned.
It is still hard to believe that The White Zulu is no longer amoung us
He was an ambassador of Zulu culture which he combined with his Irish folk music
Indoda eyayikwazi ukugida isine ishaye ingoma
His was such a talented and very gifted man who was very close to his friend and music partner Sipho Mchunu (R.I.P)
He was an ambassador of Zulu culture which he combined with his Irish folk music
Indoda eyayikwazi ukugida isine ishaye ingoma
His was such a talented and very gifted man who was very close to his friend and music partner Sipho Mchunu (R.I.P)
