Sipho Mchunu

South African musician

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July 23, 2026

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Sipho Mchunu was a South African musician, best known for his collaboration with Johnny Clegg. Together, they formed the band Juluka in the 1970s. Mchunu, a Zulu migrant worker, shared his knowledge of traditional Zulu music and dance with Clegg, an anthropologist and musician. Their music blended Zulu traditions with European influences, creating a unique sound that was both culturally significant and internationally recognized. Juluka's music served as a powerful statement against apartheid in South Africa, as their mixed-race band and fusion of styles challenged the enforced segregation of the time. After Juluka disbanded, Mchunu and Clegg reunited briefly in 1997 for the album Crocodile Love.1

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Johnny Clegg
…subsequently developed a friendship with Sipho Mchunu, a Zulu migrant worker and street musician in Johannesburg. From Mchunu, Clegg learned the Zulu language and traditional music, as well as the vibrant dance styles that later became a regular feature of his performances. Clegg and Mchunu performed as a duo for…
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…subsequently developed a friendship with Sipho Mchunu, a Zulu migrant worker and street musician in Johannesburg. From Mchunu, Clegg learned the Zulu language and traditional music, as well as the vibrant dance styles that later became a regular feature of his performances. Clegg and Mchunu performed as a duo for…
Read More