Just as the sun was beginning to set yesterday, I received a message that hit me like a ton of bricks. South Africa and the rest of the world had lost a great man, a great shining light, a legend of immeasurable capacity and one of the greatest inspirations of my life, Mr Johnny Clegg.

I could sit for hours talking about what a massive impact and inspiration he has had on my life through listening to his music from a very early age.

A man who crossed so many cultural boundaries and formed bridges across those boundaries that rested on concrete pillars that could never be broken.

A phenomenal human being, a man that did so much for South Africa that if you tried to list every one of them, it would be a never-ending list because although he is no longer here, is legend will no doubt continue to burn brightly forever.

One of the greatest highlights of my former blogging career was having the great pleasure of meeting the man back in 2013 when we filled the Royal Albert Hall in London.
And on the few occasions, we’ve spoken on the phone or met in person, we’d have deep conversations on making South Africa and the rest of the world a better place.

A phenomenal storyteller, an incredibly wise mentor, someone you could only ever aspire to be, but a level you could never possibly reach.

Shortly after hearing the news I just sat in silent speechless shock. I then went and sat quietly on Rose Rambler’s bow, put my headphones on and gazed at sunset in silent tribute whilst listening to one of my favourite songs of his “The Crossing” to bid the great man farewell in my own little way sitting on the boat in my little corner in the bay of Port Soller on the island of Mallorca.

You think a lot about life when the light of someone who was incredibly important to you burns out.

It brought on a great moment of reflection, a moment to really take stock of where I’m at in all this and what I want to achieve with it.

I realised in those moments that I feel I have taken my foot off the accelerator a bit. I feel I’ve slowed down, become a little bit relaxed and got a bit comfortable since completing this small objective, and sadly I feel I’ve allowed myself to become a bit distracted by normality when there really is no time for distraction.

This isn’t a holiday, this is a 24/7 life mission. Maybe I needed it, I don’t know, after the last 6 months I’ve had with the insane amount of pressures and stress that has come with it, to desperately try and make this all work and just to get to this point, maybe I did.

But in those moments I was hit with a great sense of inspiration and motivation, knowing that I can do so much more, I am capable of so much more and this little low rev time of playing small is over and it’s time to get a move on with things because everything I want to do is not going to it itself, it is my full responsibility to make it happen.

As the goosebumps shifted across my skin and filled my heart in those moments, I gave a little smile up to the sunset and universe beyond, and the thought that went through my mind was, you sneaky bugger, still inspiring and pushing me from beyond.

Rest In Peace Johnny, you’re now home, you’ve made your crossing, and I promise that while I’m still here, I’ll continue living my life, searching for the spirit of the great heart, until it’s my turn to cross the burning water.

Give Madiba a big bear hug from me. 😎🙌🏻⛵️ 

Today Rose Rambler’s South African flag flies at half-mast in honour and respect of the great heart… As should every flag in South Africa today… 🇿🇦

Rest in peace Johnny… You’ve made your crossing, you’re home.

Photo: Marky Warren sitting on the bow of Sailing Yacht Rose Rambler at sunset in Port Soller, Mallorca after hearing the news of the passing of Johnny Clegg.
Location: Port Soller, Mallorca, Spain.

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