Savuka
Savuka | |
---|---|
Years active | 1986–1994 |
Labels | EMI, Capitol |
Past members | Johnny Clegg Derek de Beer Keith Hutchinson Jabu Mavuso Steve Mavuso Dudu Zulu Solly Letwaba Mandisa Dlanga Andy Innes |
Savuka, occasionally referred to as Johnny Clegg & Savuka,[1] was a multi-racial South African band formed in 1986 by Johnny Clegg after the disbanding of Juluka. Savuka's music blended traditional Zulu musical influences with Celtic music and rock music that had a cross-racial appeal in South Africa. Their lyrics were often bilingual in English and Zulu and they wrote several politically charged songs, particularly related to apartheid. Some better-known Savuka songs include "Asimbonanga", and "Third World Child", from their 1987 album Third World Child. Band percussionist Dudu Zulu was killed in 1992; their song "The Crossing" was a tribute to him.
History
In 1985 Mchunu became tired with being a travelling musician, and left Juluka, being able to retire on the money he had made with the band.[2] Clegg formed Savuka in 1986 with many musicians who had worked with Juluka. Like its predecessor Savuka was a mixed-race band, containing three black South Africans and three whites. "Savuka" is variously translated as "Awakening" or "We have arisen" in Zulu.[5][2][3] Savuka's 1987 album Third World Child became immensely popular, and sold more than one million copies.[3] The band subsequently toured France, Canada, and the United States. Their tour in France was sold out.[3]
The band's political music often caused trouble with the government. The explicit dedication of their 1987 song Asimbonanga to Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, and other anti-apartheid activists led to their concerts being raided, and band members being arrested.[6][7] Clegg's interest in Zulu traditional music and his work with Zulu musician Sipho Mchunu had previously gotten him into trouble with the apartheid regime. "Asimbonanga" was among several of his songs that were banned in South Africa.[2] Savuka also supported the "End Conscription Campaign" that began agitating against the South African military draft in 1983.[4] In 1988 Savuka were on tour in Europe when the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert took place. However, they were barred from participating as a result of the cultural boycott of South Africa in place at the time; even personal intercession from Winnie Mandela was insufficient to get them a place in the line-up.[2] Despite this, Savuka was internationally successful, particularly in France. They became the second-best selling South African band outside the country, after Ladysmith Black Mambazo.[5] Band dancer and percussionist Dudu Zulu was killed in 1992 while attempting to mediate a dispute between taxi groups; Savuka disbanded thereafter.[8][9] Savuka's song "The Crossing" was written as a tribute to him.[10]
Musical style
Juluka's style of music, which influenced that of Savuka, was based on a fusion of pop music, Zulu music, and
Selected discography
Albums
- 1987: Third World Child[13]
- 1988: Shadow Man[13] (#31 Canada[14])
- 1989: Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World[13] (#67 Canada[15])
- 1993: Heat, Dust and Dreams[13]
Songs
Members
- Johnny Clegg – guitar, concertina, vocals (1986 – 1994; died 2019).[2]
- Steve Mavuso – keyboards, vocals (1986 – 1994).[2]
- Keith Hutchinson – saxophone, keyboards, vocals (1986 – 1994).[2]
- Derek de Beer – drums (1986 – 1994).[10]
- Mandisa Dlanga – vocals (1986 – 1994).[17]
- Dudu Zulu – percussion, vocals (1986 – 1992; died 1992).[2]
- Jabu Mavuso – bass (1986 – 1987).[18]
- Solly Letwaba – bass (1987 – 1994; died 2001).[2]
- Andy Innes – guitar, mandolin, vocals (1992 – 1994).[19]
References
- ^ a b c d Rickelman, Melinda (February 1989). "The Case for Eclecticism". The Crisis: 11.
- ^ ISBN 9781135254155.
- ^ a b c d e f "Artist biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-920489-82-3.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-226-11566-5.
- ^ Dorian Lynskey (6 December 2013). "Nelson Mandela: the triumph of the protest song". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
- ^ Rohter, Larry; Sinha, Shreeya; Louttit, Megan. "Musical Tributes to Nelson Mandela". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- ^ Sassen, Robyn (16 October 2002). "Johnny Clegg: A South African Story". PopMatters. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- ^ Lewis, Randy (12 August 1993). "South Africa's Johnny Clegg: A Witness to History : Pop music: The singer loses a band member to violence even as his new album celebrates a brave new world. He starts a Southland tour Friday". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-920299-28-6.
- ISBN 9781136095702.
- ^ a b Harrington, Richard. "Johnny Clegg's Two Cultures". The Washington Post. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Johnny Clegg & Savuka". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Albums - September 3, 1988" (PDF).
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Albums - March 24, 1990" (PDF).
- ^ a b c d "Johnny Clegg & Savuka". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- ^ "Global Rhythm, Issues 8-12". Global Rhythm. 15: 159. 2006.
- ^ "Johnny Clegg and Savuka". MusicMeter. 22 July 2022.
- ^ "Johnny Clegg: percutant Zoulou blanc". La Presse. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2017.