Legendary musician Johnny Clegg was trending on Twitter on Thursday afternoon after a tribute version of his song The Crossing was released on YouTube.
His son Jesse Clegg, Andre Fenter, Jack Parow, Jimmy Nevis, Karen Zoid and a host of other South African musicians feature on the track.
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According to Zoid’s YouTube channel, “a group of well-known musicians came together to celebrate the life and work of Clegg and recorded a special version of his song”.
Though the message was merely a celebration of the man and the launch of his new charity fund, South Africans were quick to assume that Clegg had died.
I almost had a heart attack when I saw Johnny Clegg. Thank God it’s good news. pic.twitter.com/TkbAm6DIQy
— ProudMary (@Proud_Mary1990) December 6, 2018
Johnny Clegg can’t be trending without warning. Thought the geezer had kicked the bucket for second…. pic.twitter.com/8j51CjSqy0
— number number zola fan account (@Sphosomhle) December 6, 2018
I assumed the worst when I saw Johnny Clegg trending pic.twitter.com/6NhOWWxs3A
— D҉I҉M҉A҉N҉D҉E҉ (@Dimande9) December 6, 2018
Am I the only one that thought the worst when they saw Johnny Clegg trending? 2018 has been rough. pic.twitter.com/WUCevDqHFO
— Jozi-Wan Kenobi (@RandsnSense) December 6, 2018
I saw “Johnny Clegg” on the trend list, and my heart sank.. we are so used to expecting bad news.
— Ms_Gupta
(@African_Spring) December 6, 2018
“Johnny Clegg” Trending? Dont play that rough people. I thought he actually did the crossing pic.twitter.com/85WJrAOzvK
— Deelee Mogale (@Deeleenquent) December 6, 2018
How blessed is “Johnny Clegg” though, I though he was trending because he was…you know! Kganthe neh, it’s net a major tribute, wow!
— Activistar (@Mkay_Azania) December 6, 2018
My heart almost stopped when I saw Johnny Clegg trending
— @Boitshepo Metane (@BoitshepoMetane) December 6, 2018
Is Johnny Clegg trending because y’all wondering why he’s trending?!
Sometimes I hate South Africans pic.twitter.com/41WAvK0Nks — RyanAME (@pharoe_le) December 6, 2018
But the truth of the matter is, no, Clegg is not dead.
Relax guys, Johnny Clegg is still alive and well pic.twitter.com/zc0SAib6gF
— Man’s not Andile (@therealandile_) December 6, 2018
To quell fans’ fears, Jesse Clegg posted a tweet acknowledging The Crossing tribute made to his dad.
Hugely proud to be a part of this incredible song and initiative for my dad.
Massive thanks to all the artists & organizations for taking part. Please share and let’s raise funds to improve literacy and computer skills for young underprivileged studentshttps://t.co/xnTsGdc7ov
— Jesse Clegg (@Jesse_Clegg) December 6, 2018
Over fifty South African artists were part of this tribute, and, according to Channel 24, it was performed for Clegg in a private gathering.
It has been the greatest honour of my career to work on this track.
https://t.co/OvkrSTwZm9 — karen zoid (@karenzoid) December 6, 2018
Feature image: screenshot, Apple Music
