A tribute concert for Johnny Clegg in Emmarentia

The search for ‘the spirit of the great heart’ led music lovers straight to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens where they enjoyed the Johnny Clegg Tribute Concert.

Fans of the late musician were spoilt for choice as there were about 35 musicians to entertain them, among others Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela, Soweto Gospel Choir, Karen Zoid, Arno Carstens and Kurt Darren.

For Jesse Clegg, this concert, along with the artist line-up, was the embodiment of what his father stood for – the coming together of musicians and music lovers from all their varying backgrounds.

From his father, he hoped people would be left with the lasting impression of someone who believed in South Africa and the importance of its diversity, seeing each other beyond boundaries made through differences in language, cultures and politics.

“He was someone who cut through all of that and found a space in between and made something magical there and he would want his legacy to be something that inspires us to have empathy, celebrate music and life as a way of connecting with each other.”

Jesse described Johnny as an amazing father who created a special space in his life for his family by making them feel like he believed in them which helped give his children a sense of right and wrong.

“I will always have his example to follow. He was such a supportive father; he never gave me any pressure to do music and it was something I fell in love with.”

Singer/songwriter Majozi said it was an honour for him to be part of this concert. To him, Johnny Clegg was such a big inspiration growing up and saw him as being a pioneer of artists going against the grain which he admired. Majozi urged young artists to follow Johnny Clegg’s legacy by always staying true to oneself.

Fellow musician Ross Learmonth said Johnny Clegg was not only a great friend to him through the years, he was also an artist with great reverence across the world.

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