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
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I see so many of us emotionally touched over the passing of Johnny Clegg. His music created part of our identity. It surpassed creed, cultureðnicity. 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
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
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A video clip of Johnny Clegg singing “Asimbonanga” to Madiba…#RipJohnnyClegg #UcanCry pic.twitter.com/B2fthF2wkD
— Luko (@ZukxDaKid) July 16, 2019
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Go with peace, thank you for sharing your passion with us.. Thank you impi!! #ripjohnnyclegg??
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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
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The world has lost an incredible human and I’m heartbroken #ripjohnnyclegg?? #johnnyclegg
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