I saw Johnny Clegg and Savuka 3 times in the early 90's. Fantastic musical performances from a man who danced Zulu style with all the athleticism of a... say Michael Jordon or John Elway! At one show in Boulder Colorado, the audience would not let the band leave, they did a staggering 5 encoures! After the show, I spotted Johnny walking to his car, I was on the street. I shouted "Hey Johnny" and he was humble enough to walk across about 50 yards to come over and have a word. This man is the real deal. Considering what was going on in South Africa when he made this recording, he's lucky to be alive. God Bless Johnny Clegg, his music is definitely a divine gift.


One of the greatest African albums of all time   August 1, 1999
17 out of 20 found this review helpful

This album simply rocks on every level - the songwriting, the backing vocals and instruments, Johnny Clegg's absolutely fabulous interpretations. And a big bonus - the CD actually sounds good, unlike the poor production and mastering that too often hides the brilliance of African musical artists. Whereas Paul Simon's attempt to meld African and Western styles was well-intentioned but lacking in authenticity, Johnny Clegg is the real deal. He paid his dues in every conceivable way. And as the only white guy to "get it right" and join the ranks of Fela, Rogie, Prince Nico, Manu Dibango, Olatunje, Mahotella Queens, Black Mambazo, Rochereau, Sonny Ade, Salif Keita, Miriam Makeba and Youssou N'Dour as true continental superstars, it's surprising how little respect he seems to get in his homeland. Any second-rate US musician is well-known in SA (at least in the mid-Rand and up-country where I anecdotally polled) and pulls thousands into the stadiums, but you get embarrassed sideward glances if you bring up Johnny Clegg's name in white or mixed areas. The black Africans tend to give him more credit, but if the world were fair and music were apolitical, this album (and Savuka in general) would be an unqualified epiphany.


Crazy, Beautiful Album   August 6, 2002
The Orange Duke (Cupertino, Ca United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

It's pretty hard to pick a best album by Johnny, because all of his output is so strong, but if I had to pick one, this would be it. Johnny's eclectic mix of `a little rock, a little reggae, and a little jazz' with his trademark African music presages the whole World Beat phenomena by at least a decade. His music is irresistibly catchy and will make you want to dance. Upbeat, hopeful but world weary and wise, Johnny's lyrics reflect his South African upbringing. It is appropriate that he should have seen both the end of the Berlin Wall and Apartheid. A giant awakens indeed. Johnny writes highly political songs, slice of life narratives and superb love songs. In fact, his finest love song is found here with the excellent `Dela' sample lyrics: `A blind bird sings inside the cage that is my heart, the image of your face comes to me when I'm alone in the dark, if I could give a shape to this ache that I have for you, if I could find the voice that says the words that capture you, I think I know...'. Every song on this album kills (including the infectious bonus track, `Vezandlebe') but worthy of special note are the title track, One (Hu)Man One Vote', and Warsaw 1945, the later will bring tears to your eyes. Johnny Clegg may well be the finest musician of our time; it's a pity that he has been largely ignored in the US. I recommend all his albums; they all rate five stars.


A Synergistic Performer, to say the least!   September 18, 1999
The Wild Inside (Northern NY)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I've been a fan of Johnny Clegg & Savuca since the very first time I heard them in the late '80's .. at that time they were making the rounds and had been on The Johnny Carson Show, The Today Show and Saturday Night Live (sounds like NBC had a monopoly on the visionary aspect of programming!). I caught every single performance and then had the opportunity to catch them live at The Saratoga Performing Arts Center. They were the opening act, but they blew the headliner out of the water with their brightly colored costumes, Zulu war dances, musical proficiency and intelligent, humorous, sensitive and socially pertinent lyrics. I have four of their recordings (and love them all), but this one is easily my favorite. I only wish there was another coming ..


Powerful and uplifting!   June 6, 1999
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Johnny Clegg is one of my all time favorite artists, and this is my favorite among his albums. Despite the turbulent political and social climate in South Africa, Clegg's music is joyful and optimistic. The lyrics, whether they are funny or serious (or both) are of a quality too rarely seen. "Dela", a decade on, is still unmatched for pure joyousness- it was the best part of the film "George of the Jungle"! Listen to this album, you'll be glad you did!