SA, world remembers music icon Johnny Clegg
South Africa and the world are paying tribute to legendary musician, Johnny Clegg.
Clegg passed away yesterday with his family at his side - after a years-long battle with cancer.
He was 66-years-old.
Government has called the late singer and anthropologist - a towering giant and one of the country's most celebrated sons.
Clegg's manager, Roddy Quin says it's a loss felt by all South South Africans.
NOW READ: South African music legend Johnny Clegg dies, aged 66
"We have lost an absolutely legendary icon - someone who South Africa loved and he loved South Africa. South Africans know what they have lost," Quinn said.
Clegg is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jenny and their two sons Jesse and Jaron. The family will be holding a private funeral service.
There will be a service for members of the public to pay their respects - those details will be announced in due course.
RIP Johnny Clegg. One of the greatest artists of South Africa and the world. Musa Ukungilandela by his band Juluka is one of the great albums of all time. He was a great friend when I needed one during my Sun City research. His use of Zulu influenced me to use it in Pretoria.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 17, 2019
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
The passing of @JohnnyCleggReal is not only a loss to South Africa, but to the world. Mr. Johnny Clegg, a son of South Africa, flew the country’s flag to many heights. May his soul Rest In Peace. #RIPJohnnyClegg #JohnnyClegg (📸: Johnny Clegg Facebook) pic.twitter.com/VlTKLGo9KF
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) July 16, 2019
"It was brave, very brave that #JohnnyClegg fought #apartheid with his music".... Assimbonanga...#RIP https://t.co/5OjfqpHubj
— MiKohiyama (@MiKohiyama) July 17, 2019
Condolences to Family and Friends of
— Department Of Labour (@deptoflabour) July 17, 2019
Johnny Clegg -one of South Africa’s most celebrated sons. He was a singer, a songwriter, a dancer, anthropologist whose infectious crossover music exploded onto the international scene and contributed towards social cohesion #RIPJohnnyClegg https://t.co/Y61A5YbhCv