SOUTH AFRICA: Thousands bid farewell to Lucky Dube

Johannesburg – Thousands crammed into the Bassline Theatre on Wednesday to bid farewell to music icon Lucky Phillip Dube who was gunned down outside his home last week. Mr Dube was apparently shot and killed in a botched hijacking in Rosettenville, Johannesburg on Thursday.

During the memorial service many speakers said the country had lost a legend who had touched the lives of many people through his music.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Arts and Culture, Professor Keorapetse Kgosile, said Mr Dube was one of the most important and relevant reggae voices to come out of this country in the 20th Century.

“He was a global ambassador for South African musical talent and heritage, but also a world-renowned African composer, singer, band leader, cultural activist, visionary and performer,” said Professor Kgosile.

Programme director and musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse said Mr Dube left behind a legacy and his spirit would be kept alive.

Gallo Music Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ivor Haarburger said Mr Dube’s death was senseless and a loss to millions.

He described Mr Dube as a quiet and reserved person while his performances on stage were amazing.

“We had great visits to the world, he wanted to expose his music to the Americans and had performed in 81 concerts outside South Africa which were attended by thousands of people,” said Mr Haarburger.

Maskandi artist Bhekumuzi Luthuli could not hold back the tears as he broke down on stage while performing a song “Usizi”.

“I didn’t know what to call him, either my father or brother, as I learnt a lot from him. He was my fan and I was his.

“He used to encourage me and told me which of my songs he liked and always watched me when I performed. He would later congratulate or tell me if my performance was bad,” said Mr Luthuli fighting tears from his eyes.

SABC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dali Mpofu said: ”He was a communicator and is still communicating with us even in his death.

“The question is whether we are still listening to his message. I think he is asking what has gone wrong with us.”

Paying tribute to their colleague, Mr Dube’s band members sang two of his songs and fans did what would have been expected of them if Mr Dube was still alive - they jumped and danced.

Band member Skipha Shabalala said the band had lost a prophet and great teacher who believed in reality, truth and respect.

“We are all going to die one day, but why Lucky died in such as barbaric manner? We don’t need such people in our country,” a mourning Mr Shabalala said.

Speaking on behalf of the Dube family, Job Dube said: “Lucky was a pillar of the family and we’ve lost, but God plans his things.”

Mr Dube was born on 3 August 1964 on a farm just outside the town, Ermelo. He was the third child of Sara Dube.

He was an artist that continued to break international barriers and recently signed a deal with Warner Music International securing the European release of his latest album “Respect”.

Mr Dube is survived by his mother Sara, wife Zanele and seven children, one brother and three sisters. – BuaNews

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