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Cat. No.:MANTCD026
Title: Lucky Dube
Subtitle: Africa's Reggae King
Artist: Lucky Dube
Format:CD
Barcode:698458202628
Playing Time:
For whatever reasons, there are only a handful of internationally-recognised African reggae artists, of which Lucky Dube's name is bound to be represented on anyone's list. Born in the Eastern Transvaal of South Africa August 3 1964, Dube started his musical career in the late 1970s as an mbaqanga (South African township music) artist. But he heralded his shift towards reggae with the release of the 'Rastas Never Die' (1985) album, quickly followed by 'Think About The Children' (1986).
However, it was his third reggae album, 'Slave' (1987), which provided the turnaround he needed. It became a best-selling album, generating three hits: the title track, 'I've Got You Babe' and 'Back To My Roots'. It also set the course for Dube's ascent towards stardom. Soon afterwards, Dube's fame began to spread far and wide as he began to play Europe and the international circuit. Indeed, apart from writing fine, often socio-political and the odd familial, songs, Dube is a very engaging live performer.
Dube performances has garnered rave reviews, whether at home, or at Reggae Sunplash in Jamaica, or WOMAD in England. For the generation that missed seeing Bob Marley & The Wailers in concert, Dube and his band on stage is almost the next best thing!
"I started listening to reggae when I was about twelve," says Dube. "It was mostly Peter Tosh I was listening to." That's not very surprising. Because of the three original Wailers, Dube's style echoes that of Peter Tosh. But Dube is no copyist. His songwriting talents has poignantly articulated the state of his country - from the blight of alcoholism ('Slave'), the plight of the then incarcerated ANC leader Nelson Mandela ('House Of Exile'), black on black violence ('Victims'), right through to celebratory songs like 'Feel Irie' and 'Reggae Strong'.
I've interviewed Dube a couple of times. Immediately before South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, his view of the on the imminent change was hesistant. As much as he'd exhorted his people with songs like 'Peace Perfect Peace', he was fearful More importantly, meeting him again at a time when Nelson Mandela was then president, he was nevertheless not euphoric, unlike several other South African artists at the time. He immediately pointed out the short-comings of some of the new black politicians. He didn't see his stance as political. He was about highlighting "the truth", he contended.
In 1995 it looked like Dube would be spreading "the truth" of the South African experience much further when the 'Trinity' album was released internationally on Tabu/Motown. Except for the jazzy-soulful 'You Got No Right', Dube did what he does best - singing socio-political and Rasta-vibed songs. Whilst the American major's marketing machinery didn't produce the impact expected, the album however contained the uplifting anthem 'Feel Irie'. One of Dube's inventive songs, just when you think it's all about lamenting society's ills, it commands you to pick up yourself and enjoy life. So here's thirteen Dube tunes to make you feel irie!!
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