JOHNNY CLEGG IN OZ

Give loved ones Down Under the chance to see Johnny Clegg live.

South Africans with friends and relatives living in Australia and New Zealand now have the opportunity to give them the ultimate gift – tickets to concerts by our very own Johnny Clegg, who is touring Down Under in May and June 2009.

Clegg is one of SA’s most famous sons, and his music, rooted in the African soil, resonates strongly with locals, expatriates and new converts alike. Four years after he last toured Australia, he is returning for a series of performances.

Clegg and his band will be performing at the PCEC Riverside Theatre in Perth on May 21; at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on May 25; at the Sydney State Theatre on May 26; at the QPAC in Brisbane on May 28; at the St James Opera Hall in Wellington on May 30; and in the Auckland Town Hall on June 1.

Collectively, these venues can seat more than 10,000 people and it is hoped that crowds will turn out in their numbers to see “the White Zulu” at full throttle.

Clegg enjoyed great success during his previous tour of the Antipodes in 2005. This time around, he will be supported by as yet an unnamed opening act during his performances, and audiences can expect a full 90 minutes of this iconic singer-songwriter and his knockout live band.

High-energy Zulu dance routines and classic Clegg, Juluka and Savuka hits such as Impi, Scatterlings of Africa and Asimbonanga will be interspersed with newer material, resulting in a show that’s distinctly South African and immensely entertaining.

During a career spanning more than 30 years, Clegg has had an indelible impact on not only South African music but world music in general, through his efforts to foster an awareness and appreciation of indigenous sounds on the global stage. He defied the segregation laws of the time to forge a hybrid of Western pop and Zulu musical structures that, to this day, strikes a chord with audiences of all hues.

Having penned several hits and received numerous awards – including being named a Knight of Arts and Letters by the Government of France – Clegg continues to make music and tour extensively, playing to rapturous crowds locally and abroad.

South Africans who are living in South Africa will be pleased to hear that exchange control rules enable them to purchase tickets on the internet as a gift for their loved ones and friends, for Clegg’s performances in Australia and New Zealand, using their South African credit card.

The process is simple: log onto www.cleggdownunder.com and follow the link for any of the performances. Follow an easy login process and proceed to book the required tickets. Don’t miss out on this chance to give friends and family the extra-special treat of seeing this national treasure live Down Under, sponsored by Nando’s.