World Mourns Lucky Dube

SOUTH AFRICA'S international reggae legend and one of the world's biggest-selling artistes, Lucky Dube will forever be remembered for his musical ingenuity and efforts to create a better world.

Last Thursday night, the 43-year-old legend was shot dead in the presence of his two children during an attempt by gunmen to hijack his car.

The unfortunate incident took place around 8:20 pm SA time, when the artiste was dropping his son off at a relative's home in the suburb of Rosettenville, Johannesburg.

Eyewitnesses said Dube had tried to speed away from his assailants but was shot twice at very close range and drove his blue polo into a tree. He died on the spot, while his daughter, who was also in the vehicle, was uninjured, reported IC publications.

The source said his son, who had just gotten out of the car before the unknown men attacked his father, was too traumatized to provide police with any information.

President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and important personalities including musicians yesterday paid tribute to Dube, describing him as a great South African artiste, while his killing reignited debate on the level of crime in the country.

Dube's fellow musician, Mzwakhe Mbuli, one of the first people on the South African music scene, said the music industry has been robbed of a legend.

“I am devastated...out of words. Lucky Dube's music internationally was a great success story. He was a legend. For me it's cold-blooded murder, until investigation proves me otherwise.

Crime is out of control. Where is this country heading to? We really need divine intervention,” he added.

Lucky Dube who recorded more than 20 albums in a career spanning two decades, began his career in 1982 with the release of 'Ambaqanga', a Zulu traditional music album, before crossing over to reggae in 1985.

One of his biggest hits came in 1989 with the single “Together as One” which became one of the anthems of the campaign against the whites-only apartheid regime which reigned in South Africa until 1994.

By Francis Addo