Sipho Mchunu

• Active: '70s, '80s, '90s, 2000s
• Genres: World
• Instrument: Guitar, Vocals, Vocals (Background) Representative Album: "Yithi Esavimba"

Biography

Some of the first seeds leading to the ending of Apartheid in South Africa were sowed when Zulu musician Sipho Mchunu (pronounced: See-poh Mmmkoonoo) joined with British-born Johnny Clegg to form South Africa's first multi-ethnic band, Juluka. Although they were forced to break up after a decade by pro-apartheid forces who had their concerts cancelled and issued threats of physical violence, the influence of Juluka has continued to grow. A reunion tour in the mid '90s was greeted by enthusiastic fans around the world. A native of the small village of Sipho, Mchunu relocated to Johannesburg to work as a garden laborer and street musician. Teaching Clegg to play maskanda, the music of Zulu migrant workers, Mchunu found an eager apprentice. Forming Juluka in 1976, the two musicians rose to the upper echelon of South Africa's popular music. Their singles, "Scatterlings of Africa" and "Crocodile Love," were Afro-dance hits and they were invited to perform at the White House. Their struggles against apartheid took their toll, however, and the group disbanded in 1986. Although he planned to live in on his farm in the Kwa Zulu region, with his reportedly 29 children and either three, five, or eight wives, Mchunu's dreams faded when his home was destroyed and all his worldly possessions were lost amidst factional fighting. By the late '80s, Mchunu was back on the road, performing with his own band, the Lions. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide

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