Singer, Anti-Apartheid Activist Johnny Clegg Passes

Johnny Clegg (Photo: Twitter)

South African singer and anti-apartheid activist JOHNNY CLEGG, 66, died on TUESDAY at his family home in JOHANNESBURG, CNN reports. CLEGG was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, yet he continued to tour.

CLEGG co-founded two interracial bands, including JULUKA with SIPHO MCHUNU and SAVUKA with DUDU ZULU during the apartheid era. They were known for Zulu rhythms and sounds with Western styles. "He showed us what it was to assimilate to and embrace other cultures without losing your identity," manager RODDY QUIN said. "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."

The South African Government took to TWITTER to call 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 ... He has left deep footprints in our hearts ... He showed us what it was to assimilate to and embrace other cultures without losing your identity."

CLEGG's family will hold a private funeral service. There will also be a service for the public to pay their respects.

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