Jesse Clegg is a platinum-selling South African singer-songwriter with five SAMA (South African Music Award) nominations. He's released multiple chart-topping radio singles. His albums include When I Wake Up (2008), Life on Mars – a collaboration with Grammy-winning Canadian producer David Bottrill (2011) – and Things Unseen (2016). Since 2016, he has consistently released charting singles every year with Grammy-winning US producer Tim Pagnotta, which will be forming his upcoming fourth album recorded in Los Angeles and New York.
Jesse Clegg | |
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 Jesse Clegg performing live | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jesse Umpiyezwe Clegg |
| Born | Johannesburg, South Africa |
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| Years active | 2008–present |
| Website | jesseclegg |
Biography
editThe son of Johnny Clegg, Jesse spent the first six years of his life on tour with his father.[1]
Jesse's extensive touring in South Africa, the USA and the UK, including performances at Isle of Wight Festival in the UK and Radio City Music Hall, in New York City, have solidified his reputation as a captivating and dynamic live performer. He’s been the main support artist for many international tours including Joan Armatrading, Daughtry and Imagine Dragons.
Further, Jesse Clegg has collaborated with a premium list of artists including Shekhinah, Walk the Moon, Msaki, Kentphonik, Autumn Rowe and DJ Kent.
Jesse Clegg’s most popular singles include Let It Burn, Speed of Light, Waiting on the Outcome, Today, Use Me, Breathing (featuring Shekinah), and recently Called to Hear Your Voice. Clegg also featured and co-wrote the hit single Fire In Your House by US pop group Walk The Moon.
Jesse shared the stage with his father, Johnny Clegg, in 2016 and they subsequently did 3 world tours together. In 2018, Jesse was co-wrote and executive produced on his father’s final album, ‘King of Time’.
Jesse's commitment to using music as a platform for positive change is showcased with his role as an official ambassador for the Nelson Mandela 46664 foundation.
A significant accolade is soon to be added to Jesse Clegg’s career is his upcoming headline performance at Carnegie Hall. The iconic venue is considered to be the pinnacle of live music performance halls in the globally. Clegg will perform there 29 October 2024 during his next American tour.
Recent highlights
editIn 2023, Jesse Clegg was the main support act for Imagine Dragons on their 2023 stadium tour to more than 130 000 people in South Africa.[2] He also performed with platinum selling US pop band Walk The Moon at Ashley For The Arts Festival in Wisconsin, USA to an audience of 60 000 people.
He performed a special event for the Springbok rugby team as part of their homecoming tour after their win at the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
That same year, Clegg released chart-topping single Called To Hear Your Voice to critical and commercial acclaim. The song was recorded in LA with grammy-winner Tim Pagnotta.
In 2024 he released the single "Home” featuring Msaki and Grammy-winning Autumn Rowe (songwriter on Jon Batiste’s We Are - 2023 Grammy’s Album of the Year). The three of them performed the song together at multiple events during the course of the year.
Jesse Clegg’s special performances at the prestigious Teatro Theatre in 2022 and 2023 were milestone events taking his fans on a journey through his broad catalogue of hits. It also featured both local and international guests joining him on stage (Msaki, Nicholas Petricca of WALK THE MOON, Zolani Mahola, Arno Carstens, Johannesburg Youth Orchestra). These shows were critically acclaimed and are set become an annual event.
Discography
editAlbums
edit- When I Wake Up (2008)
- Life on Mars (2011)
- Jesse Clegg Live & Unplugged (2012)
- Things Unseen (2016)
References
edit- ^ Wilson, Craig (6 June 2011). "Interview: The Big JC – Jesse Clegg". Muse Magazine. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
- ^ "Fans react to Imagine Dragons' electrifying performance in Cape Town". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved 2 August 2024.