Internationally acclaimed and beloved reggae singer Lucky Dube was gunned down in Johannesburg South Africa on Thursday night. Police say the shooting resulted from a “botched carjacking” as he was dropping his teenage son and daughter off at a relative’s home. Fortunately, his youth were not physically hurt, but will surely be traumatized from watching their father get killed. Lucky Dube was one of Africa’s most successful artists, producing several platinum records among the 22 albums he released in 25 years. Dube is known and respected for his social-political lyrics about apartheid-era South African culture. He was a voice of the people whose music and life were uplifting and hopeful during times of struggle while teaching the rest of the world about life in South Africa. His death, too, is an international statement on the quality of life in this dangerous place.

Billboard reported:

Commenting on Dube’s death, Jay Savage, managing director of Sony ATV Music South Africa, said: “Lucky was the greatest African reggae artist and it was always a pleasure working with someone who is unquestionably the best in their field. He was always a bit of a maverick but knew how to act decisively which all make for a songwriter who is good to work with. His death is an unbelievable shock.”

According to an iol report, the DP of the region commended his musical role in South Africa’s culture:

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said: “For more than two decades he confronted pertinent social and political issues through his music, bringing to the fore the pain and suffering of many South Africans.”

Lucky Dube released Respect on Warner last year.

Lucky Dube - “Prisoner”:

This is not the car Dube was driving when he was carjacked… “Put A Little Love”:

Lucky Dube Links

Lucky Dube Music website
Billboard report
iol report

Pages about Johannesburg ~ Lucky Dube ~ reggae ~ Respect ~ South Africa