Squawk Radio
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Liz Goes Crazy for Music
When I chose Johnny Clegg and Savuka for this week’s Sunday Music Blog, I had A LOT of trouble trying to decide between “Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World” and “Third World Child” because they’re both such wonderful CDs (as is everything this guy has ever done). Ultimately, I decided on “Cruel, Crazy” because... I don’t know why. Because the selection “Warsaw 1943” still gives me chills when I hear it, even having heard it scores of times? Because I sang the title track to my son when he was a baby, and Clegg wrote it for his own son? Because the album came out a few years later than “Third World” and is a bit more hopeful in tone? Maybe...
Johnny Clegg, born in England, moved to South Africa as a child and quickly became enamored of African music. As an adult, he earned a degree in anthropology and forged strong ties to the Zulu tribe at a time when Apartheid was still a way of life in that country. (“Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World came out in 1990, but Clegg was making music way before then, first with a band called Juluka.) I remember seeing a piece about the band on “60 Minutes” back in the 80s, where Savuka was referred to as “Apartheid’s nightmare.” Because it mingled races, music, dress and culture. And MAN, did they make it all wonderful.
The music is grounded in tribal rhythms that are blended with pop, and traditonal African instruments combine with electric guitar and keyboard. What results is a sound that is unique, compelling and a joy to listen to. Many of the songs are topical for the times in which they were written, influenced by South African politics and cultural injustice, but many describe happier, global conditions like love, passion and parenting. Even the songs about oppression are filled with determination, fire and hope.
Clegg’s music is unlike anything else out there, current or past. But it has an appeal that is universal. Because at its core is a message of love, hope, respect and compassion. And who on the planet doesn’t crave--and deserve--that?
Johnny Clegg, born in England, moved to South Africa as a child and quickly became enamored of African music. As an adult, he earned a degree in anthropology and forged strong ties to the Zulu tribe at a time when Apartheid was still a way of life in that country. (“Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World came out in 1990, but Clegg was making music way before then, first with a band called Juluka.) I remember seeing a piece about the band on “60 Minutes” back in the 80s, where Savuka was referred to as “Apartheid’s nightmare.” Because it mingled races, music, dress and culture. And MAN, did they make it all wonderful.
The music is grounded in tribal rhythms that are blended with pop, and traditonal African instruments combine with electric guitar and keyboard. What results is a sound that is unique, compelling and a joy to listen to. Many of the songs are topical for the times in which they were written, influenced by South African politics and cultural injustice, but many describe happier, global conditions like love, passion and parenting. Even the songs about oppression are filled with determination, fire and hope.
Clegg’s music is unlike anything else out there, current or past. But it has an appeal that is universal. Because at its core is a message of love, hope, respect and compassion. And who on the planet doesn’t crave--and deserve--that?
Elizabeth Bevarly, 10:28 AM
11 comments
