Twenty-two albums produced over a twenty-five-year career cemented Lucky Dube as the most successful reggae artist in African history. A composer, pianist, guitarist, and vocalist, he utilized the rhythmic structures of Jamaican reggae to articulate the socio-political realities of apartheid-era South Africa, eventually finding a massive audience that spanned the global diaspora.
Early Career and Mbaqanga Roots
Born in Ermelo in 1964, Lucky Philip Dube initially pursued music through the traditional Zulu pop style known as mbaqanga. After forming the Skyway Band and joining his cousin's group, the Love Brothers, he gained professional experience with the Teal Record Company. During this period, he produced several albums under the moniker Oom Hansie, focusing on Afrikaans music before his pivot toward reggae.
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Influenced by Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff, Dube began incorporating reggae elements into his live performances. His first reggae attempt, the 1984 mini-album Rastas Never Die, faced significant commercial difficulty and an outright ban by the South African regime due to its critical lyrics. Despite this suppression, his subsequent 1985 release, Think About the Children, achieved platinum status and established his reputation as a formidable political voice.
Global Commercial Success
Dube's commercial influence expanded significantly in the 1990s. His 1993 album, Victims, surpassed one million copies in global sales, leading to a contract with Motown. In 1996, he was named Best Selling African Musician at the World Music Awards. Throughout his career, he performed alongside artists such as Sting and Peter Gabriel and maintained a secondary career as an actor in films including Voice in the Dark and Lucky Strikes Back.
Death and Judicial Outcome
On 18 October 2007, Dube was killed during a carjacking in the Rosettenville suburb of Johannesburg. The assailants targeted his Chrysler 300C, apparently unaware of his identity. Legal proceedings concluded on 31 March 2009, when three men were found guilty of his murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Ermelo, South Africa
- Died: 2007, Rosettenville, South Africa
- Primary genre: Reggae
- Total albums recorded: 22
- Key acting roles: Voice in the Dark, Getting Lucky, Lucky Strikes Back
- Major 1996 honor: Best Selling African Musician at World Music Awards
Questions readers ask
What was Dube's impact on reggae?
He is recognized for bridging cultural gaps within the African diaspora and bringing African reggae to the mainstream global stage.
Why was his early reggae work banned?
The South African government suppressed his music in 1985 due to anti-apartheid lyrics that challenged the regime.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice and guitar
- Genres: reggae
