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I formed an interracial band during apartheid

Johnny Clegg grew up in England, and moved to South Africa, when he was about seven years old, during the height of apartheid. He became deeply curious about Zulu culture, especially street guitar styles, and Zulu warrior dances. As a white boy, he was able to get away with breaking some rules, that a black boy couldn’t. He got his musical start, by visiting hostels, for example, and getting dance lessons, from Zulu migrant workers.

(Image: Johnny Clegg (L) and Sipho Mchunu (C), who formerly made up the band Juluka, perform in Cape Town. South Africa. The band formed in 1969 during apartheid. Credit: Rodger Bosch/Getty images)

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2 minutes