Lucky Dube

Lucky Phillip Dube (1964–2007) was the pre-eminent South African reggae musician, composer, and a global voice for justice and unity. Born in Ermelo, his career spanned 25 years and produced 22 albums in Mbaqanga, Zulu, and English, establishing him as the biggest-selling African reggae artist in history.

Dube began his career playing Mbaqanga (traditional Zulu pop) before transitioning to Roots Reggae in 1984, inspired by Peter Tosh. His first reggae effort, Rastas Never Die, was immediately banned by the apartheid regime for its critical lyrical content. His breakthrough came with Think About the Children (1985), which achieved Platinum status.

His music was a powerful, melodic blend of traditional African rhythms and classic reggae, delivering internationally resonant messages on apartheid, racism, drug abuse, and peace. Iconic hits like “Prisoner,” “House of Exile,” “Victims,” and “Together as One” led to a worldwide recording contract with Motown and secured him the Best Selling African Recording Artist award at the 1996 World Music Awards.

Lucky Dube’s relentless touring and activism cemented his status as an international musical statesman. His life was tragically cut short in 2007 during a botched carjacking in Johannesburg, but his powerful, timeless music continues to advocate for social change and spiritual liberation across the globe.

Music Genre:

Reggae | Mbaqanga

Instruments: Multi-Instrumentalist