Johnny Clegg releases touching new music video directed by his son

Cape Town - Hot on the heels of the release of South African musical legend Johnny Clegg’s brand new album of 17 remixed tracks, JOHNNY CLEGG: 2016, Jaron Clegg has released a breathtaking video for the single Take My Heart Away.

Jaron Clegg, who studied at The Vancouver Film School and currently works in LA as a filmmaker, had already created a script for a short movie he had developed, and during the process of remixing Take My Heart Away Johnny was imagining a theme that would reflect the overwhelming power of the human spirit and remembered Jaron's script.  

After much convincing, Jaron shortened the script and transformed it into a magnificent piece of art, using special CGI effects that took months to create. The effects developed included creating the South African Space Centre that we see in the film, as well as simulating rocket fire and smoke for the launch scenes. "It was challenging to streamline the visual effects work while writing, producing and directing the production," explains Jaron.

The concept of the video Take My Heart Away is about the passion and the yearning to have your dreams and your spirit take you to a better place. The story follows a young township boy who escapes his township "life-world" on a space shuttle, which literally and figuratively launches him into the next plane of existence. As Jaron so succinctly puts it, "It's a journey of transcendence."

When asked about making the video Jaron had this to say:

"It was quite an emotional project for me - making a film for my dad. I treated it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and pushed really hard to bring the script to life. I put a lot of pressure on myself to create something I could be proud of."

The video was shot at Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind with the  amazing support of the staff and then moved on to Diepsloot Township for four days. For Jaron this was a humbling, eye-opening experience for him and the crew as he explains: "The township community was so welcoming and supportive; we couldn't have made this film without their blessings. We must also make mention of the extras that came from that community who got into the spirit of the project, and delivered beautiful and heart-warming moments in the film."

Watch the video here:

(Photos: Screengrabs/YouTube)