Twitter thought Johnny Clegg died after tribute went viral

Legendary musician Johnny Clegg was trending on Twitter on Thursday afternoon after a tribute version of his song The Crossing was released on YouTube.

By Andy Walker

7 Dec 2018

Feature image: screenshot, Apple Music.

His son Jesse Clegg, Andre Fenter, Jack Parow, Jimmy Nevis, Karen Zoid and a host of other South African musicians feature on the track.

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

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

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

About Andy Walker

Camper by day, run-and-gunner by night, Andy is editor at Memeburn and prefers his toast like his coffee -- dark and crunchy. Specialising in spotting the next big Instagram cat star, Andy also dabbles in smartphone and game reviews over on Gearburn.