Jesse Clegg pens tribute to his late father Johnny on his birthday

Jesse Clegg shared a touching tribute to his late father, legendary musician Johnny Clegg, on his birthday.

Johnny died at the age of 66 in July 2019 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He had been diagnosed in 2015.

Jesse, who has followed in his father's footsteps pursuing a music career, took to his Instagram timeline to share images of a note to his father and express gratitude for the lessons he learnt from him.

“Happy birthday, dad. I miss your big smile and how we would always laugh together, even in dark times,” he said.

“You had faith in the mystery and wonder of life and you remind me to always wink back at the universe as it reveals itself.

“Thank you for teaching me courage and acceptance. Love you always and miss you every day.”

Jesse has honoured his father by preserving his legacy. In late 2022, the singer released a song by his father featuring Msaki after his death.

“Hoping For A Miracle is a song that reimagines my father Johnny Clegg’s music in a new way and is a collaboration with singer-songwriter Msaki, produced by myself and Denholm Harding,” he said at the time.

“I had a strong feeling Msaki would understand what the song is about, the emotional gravity ... for me this has been an emotional and personal project.”

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