Lucky Dube (1964-2007)

Lucky Dube - House of Exile

Lucky Dube

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Lucky Dube 'House Of Exile'

I was recently saddened to hear of the death of Lucky Dube last month. He was South Africa's most popular reggae artist, and had released 22 albums in his 25-year career. Police reports say he was shot and killed during an attempted carjacking in his hometown of Johannesburg, as he was dropping off two of his seven children at a relative's house.

He was given the name "Lucky" his single mother after she had several failed pregnancies, and didn't expect him to survive. In school, he joined the choir and thus began his love of making music. Lucky then joined his cousin's band, which played the traditional Zulu music known as mbaqanga. They recorded several albums and were gaining popularity, but during this time, Lucky discovered reggae music, and became strongly influenced by legendary artists Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff. He saw that by switching musical styles, he could speak to a wider audience and also spread his message.

Lucky Dube used his music to fight against apartheid, injustice, corruption, crime, and drug use. He was extremely popular not only in his South African homeland, but across the world and even in Jamaica. Though he adopted the Rastafarian ideals, he did not drink or smoke, and was undoubtedly a strong role model for responsibility and social change.

Lucky Dube is survived by a wife and seven children, the youngest of which is only 3 months old. He will be missed, not only as a popular reggae artist, but as a well-respected citizen, father, and social activist.

 November 5, 2007 10:20 PM  Randy my♥posts luckydubemusic.com