A new version of the song “Woza Friday” has been released, marking a collaboration between Jesse Clegg and Sminofu. The track, officially released on May 1, is credited to Sminofu, Jesse Clegg, and and the late Johnny Clegg. The release coincides with Workers’ Day and forms part of the upcoming Scatterlings tribute album.
“Woza Friday” was originally recorded in 1982 by Johnny Clegg and his band Juluka. The song reflects the experiences of migrant workers, focusing on themes of resilience and the anticipation of returning home at the end of the workweek. The original composition became one of Juluka’s recognized tracks during a period when their music combined Zulu musical traditions with Western influences.
In this new version, Jesse Clegg revisits the original work alongside Sminofu, a contemporary figure in Maskandi music. The reinterpretation introduces updated elements while maintaining links to its original narrative and structure. The collaboration represents a cross-generational engagement with the Maskandi genre, bringing together established legacy material and current musical approaches.
Speaking on the release, Jesse Clegg stated: “As part of the upcoming Scatterlings tribute album, I’m proud to share my reimagining of ‘Woza Friday’ with Sminofu.”
He described the project as significant in his career: “This project is deeply personal, it’s the first time I’ve re-recorded one of my father’s songs, and my first collaboration with the incredible Sminofu.”
Clegg also addressed the creative process behind the track: “Reworking ‘Woza Friday’, a classic Maskandi folk song, with Sminofu, a leading voice in the new generation of Maskandi artists, was especially inspiring.”
He added that the track developed beyond its initial concept: “What began as a cover evolved into something entirely new: a reinterpretation that both honors and responds to the original.”
Referring to the song’s origins, he noted: “Originally written by my father, Johnny Clegg, with Juluka in 1982, ‘Woza Friday’ tells the story of migrant workers, their resilience and their longing for home.”
On the timing of the release, Clegg said: “Sharing it today, on Workers’ Day in South Africa, feels especially meaningful.” He concluded: “This one means a lot to me.”
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Johnny Clegg was a South African musician, singer-songwriter and anthropologist known for his work in blending Western rock with Zulu musical traditions. He gained prominence as a founding member of the bands Juluka and later Savuka, through which he created multilingual music that crossed cultural and political boundaries during apartheid-era South Africa. Often referred to as the “White Zulu,” Clegg’s work carried themes of cultural integration, social commentary and human connection, with songs such as “Impi” and “Asimbonanga” becoming widely recognized both locally and internationally.
Following the release, Jesse Clegg has also shared that work is currently underway on the official music video for the track. The upcoming visual component is expected to accompany the reinterpretation as part of the broader rollout connected to the tribute album project.
