Slain nine years ago, SA reggae legend remembered
IN LUCKY Dube’s song Victims, from his 1993 album, he sings about how eventually the enemy will stand aside and look while we slash and kill our own brothers.
Nine years ago, he was a victim of those very words when he was killed in a botched hijacking.
Yesterday, on the ninth anniversary of his death, fans remembered the reggae star, whose lyrics were not just words, but messages of truth.
In the 1990 album title track Slaves, Dube sang about being a slave to liquor, and in Back to my Roots, he paid tribute to his love for reggae music. He recorded 22 albums, including Respect, Trinity and Soul Taker.
The reggae artist sang openly about his beliefs and values.
In Respect, he sang about how he “got no time to worship humankind, I only worship the All Mighty, I give love to those who gimme love, Love those who gimme war. I love those who hate me. I bless even those who curse me”.
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on his official Twitter account that Dube’s music touched millions across the globe. “Lucky Dube was a masterful musician, and despite his success, he remained humble. We thank him for his contribution… his legacy lives on.”
He added that Dube used music to inspire social change.
“Such was his impact that his music was banned in the apartheid era,” the minister said.
Fans took to social media to remember him.
Katlego Hendricks™ @TheFirstbourne: To a life well lived. A voice in the wilderness during the apartheid area. To you, Lucky Dube. Thank you. RIP.
#TheEditor @kgotsopedi: Rest In Beats Soldier. #LuckyDube
KIPROTICH (KIP) @protichKip: The lyrics still beat in the hearts of many, a lesson to everyone that a legacy should be left #LuckyDube
Yamkela @Eazy_Low: “The cats and the dogs have forgiven each other. Why is it so hard with us?” – Lucky Dube.
The Ed Philosopher™ @Abel_– Nkosinathy: No Man Can Hide From His Fears, Since They are Part of him they’ll always know where to find him… #LuckyDube RIP.
juma @jumaf3: I pay tribute to Philip Lucky Dube, who was shot and killed on a day like today. He was an icon and a champion for peace!
Advocate Liz @Liz_Setepi: Long Live the King! “Lucky Dube”.
Malobele Mahlase @samido1060: Lucky Dube was never a photo copy, he lived for what he believed in… wish we could learn from him….RIP the Legend.
Dube would have been 52.