A new music video for the song “Great Heart” has been released, offering the first preview of Scatterlings, a project led by Jesse Clegg and Msaki that reimagines the catalog of the late South African icon Johnny Clegg.
A Shared Performance Across Generations
“Great Heart” is the only track on the upcoming album to feature both father and son. Originally released in 1987, the song became one of Johnny Clegg’s most enduring hits. Jesse Clegg’s reinterpretation preserves the original’s uplifting character while introducing subtle contemporary production elements.
Jesse Clegg has said the song carries some of his most treasured memories of his father. The two performed it together on stage during Johnny Clegg’s final tour, and those moments continue to hold deep personal meaning. He explained that he never intended to improve upon a song he already considers a masterpiece, but instead sought to contribute his own artistic identity while honoring the original’s emotional strength.
Filmed in the Drakensberg mountains
The music video was shot in the Drakensberg mountains, a location chosen for its dramatic natural beauty and its resonance with the song’s themes of resilience and hope. Jesse Clegg described the Drakensberg as a place that reflects both the landscape and the history of South Africa, making the project even more significant given the song’s lasting place in the country’s cultural identity.
Scatterlings Project
The Scatterlings project revisits key songs from Johnny Clegg’s catalog through new collaborations and modern interpretations. Working alongside Msaki, Jesse Clegg aims to balance respect for the original material with fresh creative perspectives, ensuring the music remains relevant for new audiences while preserving its emotional core.
