At 43, Lucky Dube was shot dead by armed robbers on October 18 in Johannesburg, South Africa’s commercial capital in the suburb of Rosettenville. Even though a clearly under-privileged child and despite being taught in Afrikaans, he excelled at school and found music as the reason for attending school. He was a natural performer. His popularity amongst his teachers and peers grew dramatically and Lucky found school to be a safe haven in his life. Lucky left behind an incredible 22 musical albums compiled, which proved him as not only South Africa’s but also the world’s greatest reggae superstar. Indeed the world has lost a man with a superb musical taste and, an artist with a message behind everything he did. Rastafarianism has often been characterized by all sorts of bad behaviours, but Lucky was known to be different with a conscience that advocated for hard work, peace and unity among South Africans. He was never associated with ganja-use or any form of alcohol that is usually an identity of many Rastas in the world. What usually inspired Lucky were ‘People’. Looking at them, watching their movements and the things they did. His songs were based on real life situations and experiences. Lucky Dube also maintained the humble nature that brought him closer to the people that so inspired his music. His legacy will always be proclaimed by not only the Rastafarians but also the entire world. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace. Ends
