Filed under: Music
RIP to Lucky Dube- a South African Reggae Star who died the victim of a random carjacking on October 18, 2007. His music career spanned something like 25 years and 22 albums. Lucky was only 43 years old. The situation has made for some fascinating internet fodder, those who have reacted to the loss of this great talent and outspoken social activist with intense anger "F*** South African, Fifa should not let them have the soccer game"as one posted, (world cup scheduled for 2010) or those who glorify Lucky Dube’s legacy "Legends never die."
I feel…a terrible grief that is somewhere in between. Taking this senseless loss as another reason to call S. Africa hopeless is the last thing that Lucky Dube stood for or would ever want. But it’s an epic tragedy that a man who spent years crafting an art, a message of self empowerment, peace, and South African pride, should be murdered by one of those downtrodden people he sought to represent.
While it’s true that his legacy of music can still elevate people for years to come, I am sure his widow and seven children would not agree with the maudlin sentiment that "he’s not really dead". Their family will never be the same, and by the outpouring of grief and rage across the internet, it’s clear South Africa, as well as reggae and peace lovers worldwide, will not be either.
Lucky addressed his country’s horrible crime problems often in his work, and it is ironic or perhaps poetic that that is how he met his premature end. Unlike many other so -called ‘artists, Lucky Dube did not glamourize marijuana use nor the high crime lifestyle. Black on black violence is not just some kind of slogan, it’s a real symptom of social problems with roots far back into history. Lucky Dube’s absence is an enormous loss, but it’s also a reminder that all the previous and ongoing losses matter too. Those who don’t have a reggae star in their families still grieve. Take a look at his smiling face and a listen to the buoyant music, the message, at least, lives on:
Lucky Dube
"Together as One"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLYkw-kUMUE&NR=1
"Prisoner"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRi8nIPugGM
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Bite my shiny metal ass, assholes, you were joked!
Rorbvesse 01.06.09 @ 10:10 am