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Condolences and messages of love are pouring in on social media for legendary singer Johnny Clegg who passed away today.

Clegg was only 66 years old and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer four years ago in 2015.

He is best known for music he recorded with his bands Juluka and Savuka and was affectionately known as The White Zulu.

In 2018 he embarked on a South Africa tour called ‘The Final Journey’.

Clegg was a fighter for justice and campaigned strongly against Apartheid. His love for South Africa, the people and the languages reflected in all his music.

Aside from his vast music career spanning decades, he was also awarded honourary doctorates from Dartmouth College, CUNY, UKZN and the University of the Witwatersrand.

Roddy Quin, manager, friend and family spokesman said in a press statement: “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.

“Johnny leaves deep foot prints in the hearts of every person that considers him/herself to be an African. He showed us what it was to assimilate to and embrace other cultures without losing your identity. 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.”

He is survived by his wife Jenny and sons – Jesse who is also a musician – and Jaron.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ca2uVZuiY0

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Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.