Lucky Phillip Dube (pronounced doo-bay), the "African Maestro" - "world reknowned composer, singer, band leader, cultural activst, visionary and performer" was killed in a carjacking attempt in South Africa on October 18, 2007.
At the time, Dube was dropping off two of his 7 children who witnessed their Father's murder. In the process of getting away, Dube drove his car into an ongoing car before crashing into a tree.
Brother Dube was named Lucky at birth after prolonged illnesses that left him clinging to life. When he lived, his family labeled him "Lucky."
The International Herald Tribune reports Lucky Dubes work included a bevy of social commentary on issues ranging from overcoming alcoholism - "I am a Liquor Slave" - to social anthems such as "Prisoner," which highlighted the horrific nature of apartheid.
"The Independent" says "He eschewed the misogyny and homophobia that blights some contemporary Jamaican music . . . "
His first album was appropriately and ironically entitled "Rastas Never Die."
As always, this site works to raise awareness of the greats throughout the Diaspora who make or made music that literally hold up our commitment to liberation. Someone at a group referenced music in social justice as irrelevant.
This online experience continues to exhibit the extent to which certain Black musicians' work is firm and resolute, uplifting, educational, and as moving and significant in its functionality as an essay. Lucky Dube's work, as is the case with others, was just that constructive and influential.
Rest in Peace, Lucky Dube.
House of Exile
Lucky Dube
Lucky Dube's Legacy
"Reggae musician Lucky Dube’s tragic murder has ironically resulted in greater attention to his cultural and social significance inside South Africa (he had always had larger fame outside)."
Freedom fighter standing on a mountain
In a foreign country
Trying to send a message
To his people, back in the ghetto
He had a home one time
Love of a girl *
But he left all that behind
Oh yes I can hear him clearly as he whispers in the air
His voice came out loud and clear
All he asked for was a prayer and as he turns to walk away he said
Chorus:
I'm still here in the house of exile
For the love of the nation
Sun went down on the mountain
Birds flew back to their hiding places
Leaving him standing there like a telephone pole
In the still of the night
You and I dream
Dreaming of Romeo & Juliet
All he dreams about is the freedom of the nation
When every man will be equal In the eyes of the law
As he closes his eyes
For the last time he said again
I'm still here in the house of exile
For the love of the nation
Chorus til' fade
Shock at SA reggae star shooting
"The whole continent has lost a performer, musician, a guy that fought for freedom in his own way, in his own right, was just shot by some guy who wanted to take his car, you know, which is Mickey Mouse really,"
"Be good to the people on your
Way up the ladder
Cause you' ll need them on your way down
That' s the way it is."
Respect
Respect
*Love of a woman.
"Considering that Dube was hardly materialistic and deplored violence, it is cruelly ironic that he would die murdered by a stranger attempting to steal his car." - Lucid Culture
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