Lucky Dube: Resistance and Reggae

Originating in Jamaica in the late 1960s, reggae has been a sharp voice raised against colonialism and imperialism from its birth. It emerged from the struggles of communities in the Afro-Caribbean and became the very soundtrack of anti-colonialism across Africa and the Caribbean. The wave of reggae swept over South Africa as well, in fact, the rhythmic and thematic aspects of reggae are strongly associated with Africa, so much so that it has been called "the quintessential African musical form". 

In the African and, also, in the global music scene, South African reggae musician and Rastafarian Lucky Dube is venerated as a pioneering musician of this genre. He is one of the best selling African musicians, and his music has always been the embodiment of the soul-piercing nature of reggae. This article will take you through the chronicles of Dube's life—from his birth to his ascension to the throne.

Early Life: Roots & Struggles

Born into a Zulu family at a farm on the outskirts of Ermelo, a small town in the west of Johannesburg, Dube grew up with his grandmother since his mother had to move from place to place in search of a job. He credited his grandmother for being the one who made Dube the person he was. 

The son of a Zulu mother and an estranged father from the Swazi ethnic group, Dube's early life was harsh. The unforgiving realities of apartheid, racial segregation, and discrimination enforced by the government had marginalized South Africans to a horrifyingly extreme degree. He had to go through poverty and starvation as food was often extremely rare. To sustain themselves, Dube and his two siblings fed on the soup made by their grandmother from sheep's droppings.

Musical Beginnings and Breakthrough

The macabre grip of the apartheid era made Dube experience firsthand how everyone around him was deprived of opportunities and economic stability. So, when he was working as a gardener in his early years, he attended Jan Rell High School, where he formed the Skyway Band, his first musical ensemble. 

In 1983, Dube moved to Madadeni, a township on the outskirts of Newcastle, and joined "the Love Brothers". This group was led by his cousin and performed in the mbqanga, a style that blends soul and pop with traditional Zulu music. He released multiple albums with this group and his cousin, such as "Lucky Dube and the Supersoul,"  a Afrikaans album "Die Kaapse Dans" in the Afrikaans language, and the EP "Help My Krap". All these records were gaining traction among his native audiences. 

Rise to Fame and Musical Evolution

In his school years, Dube became aware of Rastafari, an Abrahamic religion that developed in Jamaica during the 1930s. It was a response to colonialism. Also, systemic oppression and racial inequality were brought along with it. Reggae became a form of expression of Rastafarian spirituality. Dube did not consider himself a Rasta in the traditional sense; he only embraced aspects of the faith, such as vegetarianism. 

Dube noticed that his reggae songs resonated with his audience during concerts and realized the potential impact reggae might have in the sociopolitical commentary of South Africa. With that in mind, in 1984, he released the first reggae album, "Rastas Never Die". Unfortunately, this mini album did not perform well and was banned by the regime due to its critical lyrics.

But Dube was indomitable; he kept on performing the reggae tracks live and released a second reggae album, "Think About the Children," in 1985. This time, it did not miss the mark and achieved Platinum sales status. His sophomore album established Dube as a popular reggae artist in South Africa and caught the eyes of people outside his homeland. 

Reggae: A Tool for Change

Dube's incorporation of African rhythms and reggae became his trademark, recognized by audiences both in his country and abroad. His adoption of reggae was not accidental; rather, he had a clear and stern reasoning behind it. Much like Marley, Dube used his music as a platform to speak out against the injustices faced by South Africa’s black majority.

One of his most famous songs, "Together As One",  yearns for unity amidst division and segregation. Other songs, such as "House of Exile" and "Different Colours, One People", strongly inherit the essence of Dube's music and philosophy. His immaculate storytelling upholds the necessity of racial harmony and equality and was propelled by his personal experiences under apartheid.

Global Recognition of a Pioneer

Dube's international recognition and success were merely a matter of time. One after another, he was putting out albums that brought in both popularity and money. He became a household name with the release of "Slave" in 1987. Two years later, he released his double-platinum album "Prisoner". Shortly after, he started performing in Europe and the US for the first time. He was the first South African artist to appear at Jamaica's Reggae Sunsplash.

The performance and the stage presence he showcased in these concerts resulted in a headline spot for the international segment of the following year's event. His reputation as a musical pioneer was known by the whole world, and he had broken through the barriers of race and geography by this time. 

The Twist of Fate

Lucky Dube's life was tragically cut short on October 18, 2007. A musician, who was walking tirelessly on his path of regaining freedom and justice for his people, was murdered in a carjacking incident in a suburb of Johannesburg, Rosettenville. The shockwaves were felt throughout the music world, and his passing left a void in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

Epilogue 

Lucky Dube was recognized not only for his exceptional musical talent but also for his role in promoting peace, unity, and social justice through his art. In remote Aboriginal communities of Australia, he is known for being "Bigger than the Beatles". It would be an understatement to call him a global star. Only those who have been touched by Dube's unfiltered raw emotions can feel it in their soul what Lucky Dube was. The empty throne that he left would surely find another worthy king who would bear Dube's legacy on their shoulders. He once sang, "The truth is an offense, but not a sin." Lucky Dube's truth will keep on resonating and inspiring new generations to carry the torch of freedom and equality.