A Johhny Clegg and Juluka Collection
In 1979, in the dregs of South Africa's apartheid era, Johnny Clegg, an English-born white man, and a black musician named Sipho Mchunu had the foolhardy courage to cofound a band called Juluka. Despite their widespread popularity, this was a life-threatening proposition. Their very existence was a political statement aimed at the evil heart of the vile regime then in power. As the word spread, they became favorites with audiences in England and the U.S., spreading a musical gospel made ofmbaqanga(township jive) and traditional Zulu styles mixed with Western rock. Their joyous, tightly harmonized tunes rocked while insightful lyrics pleaded eloquently for an end to racism. The 10 tracks on this compilation are culled from six albums, and it's easy to understand why their fame achieved international proportions. Clegg later formed another group called Savuka, but this was where his gentle, ultimately triumphant battle began.--Christina Roden