October 23, 2007

Remembering A Reggae Human Rights Hero

Posted by Tomas Palermo at 4:00PM

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On Thursday, October 18, South Africa's Independent Online News reported that world-renowned South African reggae artist Lucky Dube was killed in apparent carjacking. According to police, the incident took place in Rosettenville, Johannesburg as the singer was dropping off his children at a relative's. The BBC also confirmed the grim news.

The 43-year-old singer recorded 22 albums in Zulu, English and Afrikaans in a 25-year period and was South Africa's biggest selling reggae artist.

Johannesburg Police Captain Cheryl Engelbrecht told ION that the murder occurred at 8.20 p.m. when Dube was driving a blue Polo vehicle in the Johannesburg suburb. She said Dube was dropping off his son in the area when he was attacked. "His son was already out of the car. When he saw what was happening, he ran to ask for help."

Lucky Dube was hailed by Afropop.com as "The shining star of African reggae" and by the UK's Mail & Guardian as "South Africa's biggest selling contemporary artist." To many Dube was a modern day hero with a message that touched millions of people. He toured extensively, and was in the US as recently as May 2007.

Dube recorded 22 albums and was known for his socially conscious lyrics and distinctive voice, which many critics compared to the late Peter Tosh's husky baritone. The BBC praised Lucky Dube's April 07 Warner Jazz release Respect saying "It's as joyful an experience as he's ever conjured."

Lucky's life.

Lucky's death.

Lucky's legacy.