from Dirty Linen August/September 1992
Dudu Zulu Killed in South Africa
Zululand, South Africa - Dudu Zulu, a principal member of Johnny Clegg & Savuka, was shot and killed on May 4, 1992 in his native Zululand as he was en route to his home. While the precise circumstances of the tragedy are still unknown, the shooting occured in the tribal district of Epishongweni as Zulu was leaving a neighbor's home and returning to his own approximately a half mile away.
The South African-born Zulu - a percussionist, dancer and vocalist who also performed with Clegg in the South African group Juluka - was an orphan adopted by the Zulu clan following the death of his father. Only last year, Zulu reembraced his birthname, Mntowaziowayo Ndlovu (pronounced Mm-toe-why-zee-way-o N'low-vu).
Although the cause of the shooting is unknown, initial reports suggested that it may be linked to a local taxi war, during which several innocent citizens have been shot in error by feuding drivers. This has, however, not been confirmed. The area is reportedly one of the most highly-armed and destabilized areas in the country as a result of chronic rural poverty, the recession, and tribal feuding. This situation has been exacerbated by the political dynamics of a rural and urban destabilization strategy adopted by certain right wing elements in the security establishment.
"The band and myself are devastated at the news," Clegg said upon learning of the tragedy while in Los Angeles where he had been recording his new album. Clegg returned to Johannesburg, South Africa immediately.
The greatest tragedy is that Dudu became a victim during a time of transition towards a new South Africa that he believed in and will never see. Dudu leaves behind a large family including nine children. Burial in the tribal fashion was set for May 9th.
Courtesy of Capitol Records
talkingleaves
MMVI