Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


South African Musician Johnny Clegg Dies at 66

Associated Press

   JOHANNESBURG - Johnny Clegg, a South African musician who performed in
   defiance of racial barriers imposed under the country's apartheid
   system decades ago and celebrated its new democracy under Nelson
   Mandela, died Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 66.

   The Grammy-nominated and British-born singer sometimes called the
   "White Zulu" died peacefully at home in Johannesburg with his family
   there, according to Clegg's manager, Roddy Quin.

   "He fought it to the last second," Quin told the South African
   Broadcasting Corporation.

   Clegg's multi-racial bands during South Africa's white minority rule
   attracted an international following. He crafted hits inspired by Zulu
   and township harmonies, as well as folk music and other influences.

   South Africa's government said in a statement that "his music had the
   ability to unite people across the races .... Clegg has made an
   indelible mark in the music industry and the hearts of the people."

.