Sipho MChunu Sipho co-founded Juluka with Johnny Clegg in the mid-1970’s. Originally a migrant laborer with a sound traditional music and dance background, Sipho taught Clegg much of the Zulu guitar he plays today. Sipho wrote and co-wrote many of the Juluka hits in the 1970s and 1980s.
Sipho is well-known in South Africa and especially amongst the Zulu-speakers in Natal. He is a shining example of what can be achieved by someone coming from the rural community and is something of a standard-bearer for his People.
When Juluka split in the mid-1980s, Sipho went back to his farm in Kwa-Zulu and while taking care of the affairs of his house and village, recorded and toured with his own band, Amabhubesi (“The Lions”).
When his schedule allows, he gives lectures on traditional Zulu guitar styles at the University Of Natal and adjudicates in competitions for up-and-coming talent in the area. Sipho reformed Juluka with Johnny in 1996 and co-wrote and recorded Ya Vuka Inkunzi (Crocodile Love).
Sipho lives on his farm in Natal with his wives and children and commutes to Johannesburg for rehearsals, recordings, video shoots and other activities.
Discography:
Universal Men (CBS, 1979)
African Litany (MINC, 1981)
Ubuhle Bemvelo (MINC, 1982)
Scatterlings (MINC, 1982)
Work For All (MINC, 1983)
Stand Your Ground (Warner Bros. Records, 1984)
Musa Ukungilandela (MINC, 1984)
Juluka Live (The Good Hope Concerts) MINC, 1986)
Yithi Esavimba (Totem Records, 1989)
Crocodile Love (CNR Music, 1997)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Aloha Angel!
A good, concise and factual article. Thank you for your efforts.
If you wanted to amend the discography section, you might wish to include:
SIPHO MCHUNU NAMA BHUBESI-
“Yithi Esavimba”.
A solo effort by Mchunu produced by Johnny Clegg, June 1989, for Totem Records,
45 rue de Belleville, 75019 Paris, France.
JD TOT 760-183
TEL.: 42 03 11 11
J.Clegg does not appear as a musician on the cd recording.
Updated discography.