NOVEMBER 16 “THIS WEEK IN THE MUSIC OF NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE”

Johnny Clegg, a world-renowned musician, won Le Victoire French Music Industry Award for the biggest International record album sold in France on this date in 1988.

Clegg won the award for his work with the band Savuka, an African-Western crossover group. In 1987, the band’s cover of the song “Asimbonanga,” which called for the release of Nelson Mandela, proved hugely popular.

To listen to “Asimbonanga” as performed by Johnny Clegg, check out this recording from 1999 with Nelson Mandela.