Lucky Dube

L ucky Dube

My hero is Lucky Dube, the reggae super star. He is the leading South African reggae artist. He was born in August 3, 1964 in Transvaal now called Mpumalanga in the town of Ermelo. He was named Lucky because his mother had been unable to produce children.

He discovered his career and talent when he joined choir at school. He performed mbaqanga music due to heavy traditional Zulu influences. He continued to perform mbaqanga music for several years, even recording several albums with his band The Love Brothers.

He discovered Reggae music in the early 1980's when he read about Bob Marley in books from the library. He switched from mbaqanga to reggae music. He performed reggae music with the Love Brothers. He realized that reggae music was coming on in its attraction to the people and he eventually began singing reggae songs. Lucky Dube began to record reggae songs. His second album, "Think About the Children" was an immediate hit.

During the Apartheid-era Black South Africans couldn't relate easily to the lyrical messages of Dube's reggae music, which gave voice to their struggles. The International audiences enjoyed Dube's melodic and Afro-centric take on reggae, and he continued to be an international star till his death.

Lucky Dube live on stage

He is a hero in that he is South Africa's biggest selling contemporary artist and his songs had messages which touched millions of people's hearts around the world. With an incredible 21 albums accomplished with his musical talent, he has proved himself one of not only South Africa's, but also the world's greatest reggae superstars. He was a man with musical taste and genius, an artist with a message, and with a reason and a rhyme behind everything he did.

He was ranked in over 20 national and international awards for his music and videos. He did not drink or smoke cigarettes or marijuana despite the reputation most Rastafarian's bear, which is a surprise to most people all over the world. Many people like him and admire his character.

He won many awards such as; the OKTV awards four times, an International Artists of the Year in Ghana music awards in 1996, his albums each won South African Music Awards. He is an artist who toured internationally, including countries like Uganda where he went more than 3 times.

His tickets for shows in Uganda were sold out already before the artist arrived in Uganda which shows that the people liked his music which was full meanings. He released albums such as "Slave," "Together As One,", "Prisoner," "House of Exile," "Captured Live," "Victims" and "Trinity." These contained lyrics dealing with social issues and spiritual inspiration in the best tradition of Lucky's heroes.

Mourners carry a portrait of Lucky at his burial

Lucky Dube's life came to an end on Thursday 18 October 2007 when he was shot during a hijacking in the Rosettenville suburb of Johannesburg. The funeral service took place in the Farmer's Hall in New Castle in Kwazulu, Natal province, on the 28th October. He was missed by millions of people around the world due to the talent he had and his love for the children. May his soul rest in eternal peace.