South African musician and producer Zakes Bantwini has issued a new version of Johnny Clegg‘s classic “The Crossing (Osiyeza)” as part of the Scatterlings project.
The recording pairs archival vocals from the late Johnny Clegg with contributions from his son Jesse Clegg, singer-songwriter Msaki, and vocalist Skye Wanda. Bantwini handled production, shaping a contemporary Afro-electronic sound that the project organisers say is intended to preserve the original’s themes of transition, remembrance, and hope while reaching new listeners.
The release is part of the broader Scatterlings initiative, which re-examines Johnny Clegg’s catalogue through collaborations with current South African artists. Jesse Clegg’s involvement links the track directly to his father’s musical legacy, while Msaki and Skye Wanda add additional vocal layers.
Bantwini, a singer, songwriter, and producer, blends Afro-house, electronic music, and African influences. His 2021 single “Osama” achieved commercial success in South Africa and abroad, and later releases such as “Imali” and the album Ghetto King have earned industry recognition.
The reimagined “The Crossing (Osiyeza)” continues efforts to reinterpret Clegg’s work for contemporary audiences while maintaining the integrity of the original composition.
