The Crossing: World Music and Ngoma at Home

Narrating the relationship of renowned musician Johnny Clegg to ngoma in Msinga, this chapter considers the effects at home of the celebration of the warrior body on the global entertainment circuit. Histories of violence and struggle are imbricated in South Africa’s international musical successes, while the racialized global discourse of South African aesthetics enters ngoma play at home. Focusing on the 1980s and 1990s, the chapter describes Clegg as an ngoma dancer, musician, activist, advocate, businessman, and friend, showing how he has become a story and value upon which ngoma dancers draw. The chapter concludes with the formation of Umzansi Zulu Dancers and their recording and European tours following Clegg and Savuka’s renown. Umzansi Zulu Dancers’ formation is also entangled with the international history of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, and the producer West Nkosi.