A Venning - 80's Music Videos and Mythology

[guppiecat]

I like Johnny Clegg, 'cause, well, who doesn't. When I had the chance to pick up the DVD of a few live performances I jumped at it. (Listening to good music in 5.1 is amazing.) Since I had only heard him before, and had never seen him, I had no idea that he reproduce native African dances in his shows and videos.

There is one move that he makes over and over again, which involves swinging his arms wildly and stomping his foot. I am assuming that it is a move from a ritual with which I am unfamiliar. Based on what I know of African mythology and recent culture, I am guessing that it originated as a summoning of the power of the elephant and may be now be used as a more general self-power raising. Based on it's use in the videos and songs, I'm guessing it is intended to show the African lower classes that they have the power to take control of their own lives and rise up against their subjugation.

However, these are just guesses, and I'd like to KNOW. Since I cannot do a Google search on a dance move (yet), I'm asking you lot. Anyone have deep knowledge of African dance?

Comments

[pauamma]

Johnny who?

[guppiecat]

Johnny Clegg

[pauamma]

Well, I can conclusively state that I don't like him, then. (Not dislike - but you can't like what you don't know, right?)

Johnny Clegg

[7ivy7.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I can't help with the African dance interpretation, but your post reminded me... I absolutely love Johnny Clegg. I've never seen, only heard Johnny Clegg and Savuka. I'm hoping my old cassette has survived the winter in Tesla's garage. I'd be interested in knowing what CDs you have.

Re: Johnny Clegg

[guppiecat]

The DVD is "Johnny Clegg with Savuka and Juluka LIVE".

The CD I have is "In My African Dream".

[leiacat.livejournal.com]

You can try this and similar, see if you can spot it. Lemme know if you do!

[guppiecat]

It's not there. A bit of research leads me to believe that it's from the Zulu tradition, but I don't have the time to dig deep into Zulu practices right now.

Ah well, at least I've narrowed it down.