5 Facts About Juluka, South Africa’s First Multiracial Band
- Juluka was formed in 1969 by Johnny Clegg, a white English-speaking South African, and Sipho Mchunu, a black Zulu musician.
- The band was South Africa’s first multiracial group, openly defying apartheid laws that prohibited mixed-race performances.
- Their music blended Zulu traditions like maskandi and mbaqanga with Western rock and pop.
- Juluka faced constant harassment from the apartheid government, including censorship and police surveillance.
- Despite the risks, the band built a loyal following and influenced later South African crossover acts like Savuka.