SA: Johnny Clegg ‘returns’ with nostalgic single featuring Msaki

The record, made possible by technology, is available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.

The project weaving the past into the present was spearheaded and produced by Clegg’s son, Jesse.

“When I decided to do this, I wanted to do something that was more than just a cover,” Jesse said. “I wanted to reimagine my father’s music and breathe new life into these great and timeless songs. ‘Hoping for a Miracle’ is a combination of four of my father’s career-defining songs that felt like they could co-exist in the same universe, it was my first time working with my father’s music as a producer and it was a very personal privilege to be able to connect with it in this way.

“Msaki was my first choice as a collaborator and I’ve always been a fan of her music. She approached the project with reverence, excitement, and respect, and brought her soulful energy to the project which was a beautiful addition. I’m hugely excited to share something new from my father’s incredible catalogue.”

Msaki said when Jesse called to explain his vision, her mind time travelled back to her dad’s cream Honda Ballade, where a lot of her music education began. “This is where I first heard Salif Keita, Stimela, Kadja Nin, Brenda and the Big Dudes, Genesis, and of course the one and only Johnny Clegg,” she said.

She added: “The feeling of hope, nostalgia, and the meeting of worlds has stayed with me and followed me into my own music-making process. I’ve been so honoured to be part of this reimagination because Johnny Clegg has a stake in my music foundation. I also just looked up to him as a human being and a seeker of truth. Jesse has managed to bring back to life a dream that I thought was not possible for me to be on a song with one of my heroes. I can't wait for people to hear this song.”

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