Johnny Clegg will be live, with us in studio at 5:40 on Friday the 3rd!
Media Release
During the three decades that he has been making ‘anthemic’ hits, Johnny Clegg has proved himself to be an outstanding musical ambassador for his country.
By bringing together African music structures with Celtic folk music and international sounds, Johnny celebrates the release of his new album, Human - an infectious crossover album with all the vibrancy, boldness and passion that can only be synonymous with Johnny Clegg.
“The new album incorporates the widest mixture of music that I’ve ever done – from African to rock; Cuban/gypsy to traditional Zulu; Celtic and to even some reggae influences,” says Clegg.
Human showcases 13 original tracks that epitomize his spirit and intensity through songs of love and turmoil. Clegg’s songs portray the possibilities of love during wartime (Love in the time of Gaza; The World is Calling); the ache of a distant lover (All I Got Is You); frustration at the lack of progress in South Africa (Asilazi; Congo); tentative new beginnings (Here Comes That Feeling Again); the contrast between haves and have nots (Hidden Away Down); the desire for a better life (Gimme the Wonder) and tribal anecdotes (Nyembezi; Magumede).
The album was recorded in Brussels and produced by Nicolas Fitzman. “I’ve produced most of the albums myself so it was hard to give the producer total control over the arrangements, but this time around, it has been interesting working with fresh musicians and ideas and this has made all the difference to the album,” says Clegg.
The artwork was done by the renowned artist, Norman Catherine. “His work is very energetic, controversial and provocative and very African. The idea that hidden in our humanness are all these paradoxes and conflicting energies, ideas and values and that is what the album and the artwork is about,” says Clegg.
Due to public demand, Johnny Clegg is bringing his 30th anniversary concert back to Johannesburg for a once off performance. The original Juluka band will be reunited for this show only on Saturday, 5 November at Centre Court, Emperors Palace.
Johnny plans to tour the album internationally in 2012 around America, Europe and Australia.
International reviews:
"...He is a compelling singer and he has a strong rock pop feel to his songs that have never distanced themselves from the Zulu music he grew up with" - FAME reviewer
"With Human, Clegg once again shows off an ability to combine pure pop with international beats that is truly remarkable" – Crawdaddy
"...the songs on 'Human' center on finding identity, understanding or love in a rapidly shifting landscape." - LA Times
"...Even when Clegg is addressing very specific African dilemmas, there is a universality that accompanies the message and, of course, the music that propels the message transcends any attempt to fit it into a particular pigeonhole. On Human, like so many albums before, Clegg is a human making human music. Over the past three decades, few have done that as well as him." - Cincinatti Beat
