REVIVAL: After 17-hiatus, group members ready to honour the legacy of departed reggae icon with local and international gigs…

By Gugu Sibiya

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, South Africa’s legendary reggae outfit the Lucky Dube Band (LDB) is back to reclaim its erstwhile glorious spot on local and global entertainment landscape after a long sabbatical.

The band is regrouping for a reunion and restoration of the legacy of the late South African reggae king Lucky Dube, who gave the ensemble its name and who is still cherished in the genre’s folklore across the world.

For the band, it has been a long 17 years in the wilderness for its members since the day the reggae icon was killed in an alleged botched hijacking on October 18 2007.

At the time of his death, the internationally renowned artist was basking in the glory of phenomenal record sales across the world that earned him the Best Selling African Musician prize at the 1996 World Music Awards. He had recorded 22 albums in a 25-year period and was Africa’s best-selling reggae artist of all time.

In the aftermath of his demise, the world instantly fell apart for the 10-piece Lucky Dube Band (LDB) members who had been part of his world-touring outfit for many years. With a number of shows lined up internationally, all that ended in one fell swoop on that fateful night.

 Now, after a long sabbatical from the showbiz scene, the group is gearing for a comeback with a bang to reclaim its spot on local and global stages – all with the blessings and support of Dube’s son, Thokozani, who is spearheading the revival.

So, what happened to the band members after the lead singer and band owner untimely passed away in 2007?

Shattered by the tragedy, they had grappled with that question for a long time. Cross-crossing the musical floors was not an option for them, especially having been part of what was a best-paying outfit in the country at the time.

Seemingly God sent, they were fortunate to be roped on a tour with internationally acclaimed Jamaican reggae heartthrob Eddie Grant soon thereafter – with who they hooked up gigs on the Pacific islands. Lucky’s son, Thokozani, had stepped in as lead singer, who, though doing a fantastic job, found that gigs soon dried up. The walls closed in. Individuals or a couple of band members came up with projects but it wasn’t the same. Others left the industry, but still felt something amiss.

Finally, the nickel dropped after several frantic calls from various promoters. People wanted Lucky’s band since all the wannabes were firing blanks. The rest is history: the call of duty came and here they responded…

 Thankfully, they never lost the spark. And, if their rehearsals are anything to judge by, aficionados of the genre are in for a treat. Together as one, they are, and good times appear back again.

Overwhelmed with excitement, LDB is raring to light up the music scene with enthralling sounds they are known for.

 “The reunion is long overdue,” gushes band leader Skipper Shabalala. “To this day, people love Lucky’s music and long for our performances. Ours is to honour their wishes in order to continue spreading the message he left us. It’s bigger than all of us.

“Integral and critical to LDB, is preserving Lucky’s legacy and making our fan base happy. Add promoters who want us back on stage to the mix.  Lucky was loved, but, wanting us when he’s no longer with us, is incredible.

“How can we disappoint our people who’ve been at the centre of our success for all the years. We are thrilled and honoured that crowds resonate with our message. We have a lot to offer. Our mission is to honour Lucky’s memory.”

Thoughtfully, he recalls the day fate dealt those close to Dube a cruel hand: “Lucky’s death devastated us. We went through dark moments of agony. His passing was difficult on us and our families. He was our source of income. Imagine spending on essentials, running out of pocket and not worrying because you’re going on tour in days.

 “Boom, the unthinkable happens. Lucky is gone. Now you’re lost because this is totally unexpected. It’s someone you care about so your world is shattered. As a band we went through something we wouldn’t wish on others.”

“We miss him. Lucky was strict, with a high work ethic. A consummate professional, who insisted on structure and order. He was playful and thrived on jokes but when it came to work, it was perfection all the way.

“He gave his all on stage, trance-like. Deeply spiritual, his songs conscientised the oppressed during apartheid and resonated with all down-trodden masses globally. He was a revolutionary.

“Working with Eddie Grant was an eye-opener to how much fans still desired our performances. It sealed what promoters have been telling us all along. The hiatus gave us a perspective and chance to tap into our inner strength.

“Good times are back again. We are going to give the world the message it needs now more than ever,” adds Shabalala.

Backing singer Tonique Phala adds: “I don’t want to lie but the best thing God has done for me is to ensure that we regroup. For the first time in a long while, I feel alive. When Lucky died, I was worried about his legacy. It needed protection. Already the hyenas were circling around. I was concerned about the children and how they were coping”.  

A jovial Thuthukani “Thuthu” Cele, who is the lead singer for the band, steps in: “I’m ecstatic that we’ve finally come together to do what we do best, music. I know Lucky’s shoes are too big to fill, but I’ll try my best. The blessing is that I know the songs, we’re practising hard like before to reclaim our spot at the top. Besides, I always sang with Lucky, which will stand me in good stead.

“We’re emerging from this experience mature and energetic. The songs require determination. We want to grace all the venues we used to frequent and explore new ones too. Pity the likes of Gallo no longer assist with hook ups. All things considered, we’re in a good space though unity is key to all our aspirations.

“I remember when we sang Kaap se Dans, an Afrikaans song. Back then we were big on corporate and Cape Town gigs. One of the events that stayed in my mind was in Newcastle, in 1983. Back then we were on our mbaqanga vibe. We performed at a hospital next to a prison. It was going down so well that even prisoners were allowed to come, watch and dance a storm. Later they went back to captivity without any incident,” he says chuckling.

“His legacy is our legacy. Our brothers in Gambia, Russia and Angola, not only wish to wipe our tears away but borrow a bit from our strength and resilience. Lucky gave us the tools, it’s time to put them to good use” says Cele. Thanks to his dreadlocks, attire and voice, he uncannily bears the resemblance with his late idol. At a glance, he could easily be mistaken for Lucky.

A paradox that dogged Dube up to his passing is that he was better known and much revered across the continent and internationally than here at home – something that he shrugged and never allowed to faze him.  In contrast to most artists who get side-tracked by fame, the reggae icon was incredibly focused, grounded and appreciated his band and fan-base.

Disciplined even in the most trying circumstances, yet imbued with an infectious sense of humour, the dignified, religious legend was a pleasure to be around, according to the band.

Sadly, his puzzling murder still rings of hallmarks of senseless assassinations which dogged the arts at the time, and baffled a myriad music lovers globally. That there’s still a demand for his shows, is testament to his indomitable artistic prowess.

STEPPING INTO DAD’S GIANT REGGAE SHOES

NEW ERA: Late SA music icon Lucky Dube’s son is taking the bull by its horns in new drive to relive dad’s legacy…

By Gugu Sibiya

From time immemorial, many children have been known to unashamedly squander or rubbish their family legacy and wealth built on sweat and blood. But many others have bucked the trend, building on their parents’ legacy to achieve even greater success.

When reggae icon Lucky Dube died tragically in Johannesburg in 2008, shot dead in an alleged botched hijacking, the nation was thrown into a collective shock and mourning – none so much as his two young kids, Thokozani and Nkuli, who were with him in the car at the time and henceforth had to live through the eerie flashbacks from that traumatic incident for many years. By the grace of God they escaped unharmed, and had to pick up the pieces and soldier on, wondering what life held in store for them without legendary dad and breadwinner.

Sixteen years later, the eldest of the Dube siblings – Thokozani Dube – is embarking on the biggest challenge of his life – to revive his dad’s majestic memory through his music and trust band that backed him during those halcyon days of internationally renowned career.

 Today Thokoza is stepping up to preserve and build on what his dad amassed with love, raising them to be who they are today.

“When the band first approached me about the reunion, it felt good. My first instinct though was why now after so many years. I guess they needed to make sense of everything that happened.

“For a bit everybody was doing their own thing, their livelihood was gone. Healing was key to charting a way forward.  Luckily we’re not strangers. I went on tour with them to the Pacific and Fiji islands. It’s good that we   have some-thing to look forward to” explains Thokozani about this amazing chapter in his life.

“During the tours crowds were excited that I was on stage singing my dad’s songs. Problem is they expected me to be him. I may sound like him or have charac-ter traits that are similar to his but I’m his son. I wish I could be allowed to be myself” he pleads.

“To an extent I understand where they’re coming from with this, seeing dad in me. It certainly puts a lot of pressure on me,” confesses the young man who’s displayed truckloads of talent.

“My main focus is on managing the band. I’ll sing one or two of my dad’s songs if crowds ask. At the end of which I’ll rap to add my unique touch,”   he says, adding that hip hop is no longer what it used to be back in the day. “At its high level words in the genre were loaded with messages.

“The band is sticking to Lucky’s repertoire to reassure his fan base that they are the outfit he played with and they are   pining for, as well as giving music lovers what they want. It’s about preserving his legacy which is embodied in his music and teachings. It’s about continuing the story.

On his dad’s favourite song. “I never thought about it until I listened and understood the lyrics of    Together as One. The band’s coming together, the family going through the most and the world going through a lot but through all of this, Together as One.

“I’m looking forward to the shows. The   world’s missed us. Already in the pipeline are tours to Canada and Limpopo.

“Hearing good things about my dad is amazing. So phenomenal I will never forget his greatest gift to my sister and I, giving his life for us to live. The ultimate act of love from a selfless father,” Thokozani says in heartfelt gratitude.