South Africa mourns music legend Johnny Clegg

South African music legend, Johnny Clegg, has died at the age of 66 a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The musician’s family spokesperson Roddy Quinn shared the news in a statement which said in part: “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.”

“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 the public to pay their respects and the details hereof will be announced in due course,” Quinn said.

South Africans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the legend.

South Africa mourns music legend Johnny Clegg. May his soul rest in peace.

What a Blow! Johnny Clegg “umZulu omhlope” has passed away! To call you just a musician would be to fail you. You embraced maskandi music & Zulu culture like it was your very own, at a time when it was unpopular! Thank you for the Music. Rest In Peace.. ??! #RIPJohnnyClegg pic.twitter.com/C4LkJoSz1K

— Khanyi Magubane (@Khanyi_Magubane) July 16, 2019

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Johnny Clegg you entertained us, you made us sing and dance and you brought tears to our eyes . You will be missed by all of those that you touched. Rest in peace our “White Zulu” Under the African Sun ” All the words in truth we have spoken That the wind has blown away It’s only you that remains with me Clear as the light of day”. We love you #ripjohnnyclegg?? #johhnyclegg #juluka #savuka #siphomchunu #weloveyoujohnny #southafricanrootsrundeep

A post shared by traci gordon carr (@vukani) on Jul 16, 2019 at 10:06pm PDT

SEE ALSO: Tributes pour in following Nomhle Nkonyeni’s death

I see so many of us emotionally touched over the passing of Johnny Clegg. His music created part of our identity. It surpassed creed, culture&ethnicity. Especially during a time of deep pain&darkness. How this man’s music is etched into our very DNA as S. Africans #RIPJohnnyClegg

— Lalla Hirayama (@Lalla_Hirayama) July 16, 2019

 

View this post on Instagram

 

#RIPJohnnyClegg??

A post shared by Sindiswa Kaula (@sindiswakaula) on Jul 16, 2019 at 11:00am PDT

The ANC is saddened by the untimely passing of one of South Africa’s music legend Mr. Johnny Clegg. Mr. Clegg, 66, has not been well for sometime as he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015. Mr. Clegg was known as the voice of transition in South Africa.#RIPJohnnyClegg pic.twitter.com/nhj2qgyLCs

— African National Congress (@MYANC) July 17, 2019

We stan an Anthropologist that carries his message through the medium of music. #RIPJohnnyClegg pic.twitter.com/HFawBbT8mQ

— Too Legit To Quit (@Huroennisa) July 17, 2019

SEE ALSO: Tributes pour in following John Singleton’s death

A video clip of Johnny Clegg singing “Asimbonanga” to Madiba…#RipJohnnyClegg #UcanCry pic.twitter.com/B2fthF2wkD

— Luko (@ZukxDaKid) July 16, 2019

 

View this post on Instagram

 

My Inspiration has passed away??. Whilst other kids were listening to Barney, I was getting a political education and taught to be conscious of my privilege and how to use it to benefit my fellow countryman. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be South African. #johnnyclegg #ripjohnnyclegg #ripjohnnyclegg #ripjohnnyclegg??

A post shared by Waldo Staude (@waldostaude) on Jul 16, 2019 at 11:52am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Go with peace, thank you for sharing your passion with us.. Thank you impi!! #ripjohnnyclegg??

A post shared by Andre Day (@island_life_dre) on Jul 16, 2019 at 8:30pm PDT

SEE ALSO: Tributes pour in following Veteran Jazz singer Dorothy Masuku’s death

My small tribute to a Legend.
Rest In Peace Johnny Clegg ?@JohnnyCleggReal #JohnnyClegg #RipJohnnyClegg pic.twitter.com/V2nYOXBDvc

— ?KinG Future (@FuturePitso) July 16, 2019

my mom used to play me his music and she wished to see him, i feel like i’ve lost part of myself all this clips just made me cry??? #RIPJohnnyClegg pic.twitter.com/fO6UXoDznj

— Hustlers Ambition (@Mpho_Doskie17) July 17, 2019

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The world has lost an incredible human and I’m heartbroken #ripjohnnyclegg?? #johnnyclegg

A post shared by Andie Murray (@andiemurray) on Jul 16, 2019 at 4:07pm PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Bathembu my lil brother fresh as a graduate from UCT shares an apartment with in Sunnyside. I am a Jnr academic in the department of Constitutional law at Unisa . He is weird , he keeps his unkempt hair . We call him DJ what . He settles in the Highveld . I then learn he appreciates Rre Johnny Clegg, Freshly Ground , he comments that’s Pro Vusi Mahlasela has a salient sex message in his songs . Ten years I speak as his friend in eBhofolo . The family apparently knew from the first day . #ripjohnnyclegg??

A post shared by Marukgwane Moremogolo (@marukgwane) on Jul 16, 2019 at 3:22pm PDT

SEE ALSO: Tributes pour in following jazz legend Oliver Mtukudzi’s death

 

View this post on Instagram

 

It is with deep sadness that we morn the passing of a true South African icon. Johnny Clegg your memory, legacy and music will live on forever! Our hearts go out to his family and all who loved him. #ripjohnnyclegg??

A post shared by Expresso Show (@expressoshow) on Jul 16, 2019 at 1:10pm PDT