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Johnny Clegg

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 23, 1997)
• Original Release Date: December 26, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Europe Generic
• ASIN: B00000IR2C
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #231,697 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Johnny Clegg and Savuka were the First Racially Integrated Band in South Africa to Release an Album. Musically, They Spearheaded the Anti-apartheid Movement During their Heyday in the Early 80's. This Collection Captures the Group in Peak Form, Fusingtraditional African Influences with Euro-pop Sensibilities.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great collection, February 14, 2000

By	John (West Hampstead United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

I have not actually heard this particular album, but am familiar with all the tracks on it. This is a great collection of Johnny Clegg's work post Juluka and would be the perfect starting point for an introduction to the man and his music. Clegg sucessfully blends South African "township" music with "white" rock and creates a powerful and vibrant sound which encapsulates the mystique and vastness of Africa (Great Heart) and at other times the "Cry Freedom" voice of victims of apartheid, Asimbonaga being a great stadium anthem with a hugely powerful political message. This is better than the Putumayo collection, and less "rootsy" then his work with Juluka. If you can ever catch him live, it's well worth it. You'll soon see why he's affectionately known as the White Zulu.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Upbeat music with rich themes, December 10, 2000

By	Anne (Berrien Spgs, MI USA) - See all my reviews

I first heard Johnny Clegg's song "Dela" while watching George of the Jungle, and it was such a happy delightful song that I replayed it umpteen times. Later when a friend introduced me to Johnny Clegg's albums, I was enchanted. I consider his songs my happy songs, even though many of them are about very deep and sad themes. I found particularly thought provoking his song "One Man, One Vote" which was banned in S. Africa because of its anti-apartheid theme. "Third World Child" is also thought-provoking -- "They said -- you should speak a little bit of English, maybe practice birth control, stay away from controversial politics, so to save my third world soul." Somehow the lyrics strike a chord in anyone with an awareness of life in the two-thirds world. My favorite Johnny Clegg songs will always be "I Call Your Name" and "Dela", Dela being a Zulu word meaning "complete recognition of my heart's home," great term for sharing with that significant other in your life. The album ends with a provocative song "Your time will come" in which in the middle of the song speaking voices say, "I saw the Berlin Wall fall, I saw Mandela walk free . . ." and the song takes over, "Dream on, dream on." Hopeful lyrics in our day and age. This album takes my favorites of Johnny Clegg & combines them on one album. Every song here is terrific. I'd give it 10 stars if I could! :)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Music, January 16, 2003

By	Jennifer Cassone (Bronxville, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first heard of Johnny Clegg and Savuka years ago when my friend saw them open for the Grateful Dead. I bought the c.d. at his suggestion, and this is one of my favorites. We took it along with us when we backpacked through South Africa three years ago, and were not the only ones listening to it.

It symbolizes all that makes up South Africa's tumultuous beauty - gorgeous rhythms, volatile politics, beautiful people, kaleidoscopic scenery and amazing beaches. For anyone who wants to get in touch with South Africa's energy, this is highly recommended.