South Africa mourns the death of reggae musician and activist Lucky Dube

Reggae superstar Lucky Dube will be remembered for musical genius and efforts to create a better world, writes Sholain Govender and Gabi Khumalo.

Lucky Phillip Dube was shot and killed by would-be hijackers Thursday evening in Rosettenville, Johannesburg and friends, fans and fellow musicians of Mr Dube are in shock at the loss of such a great South African. Mr Dube was born in Ermelo on 3 August 1964. After a few failed pregnancy attempts by his mother Sarah, Lucky came into the world. Giving birth to a boy was considered a blessing and his mother considered his birth so fortunate that she aptly named him "Lucky".

This luck followed him for decades as he accumulated an incredible 21 albums under his musical belt, and proved himself one of not only South Africa's, but also the world's greatest reggae according to the Gallo Music Group. His recording company said he was "a man with superb musical taste and genius, an artist with a message, with a reason and a rhyme behind everything he does".

"As one can judge by listening to his music, he has a message on every album. His songs are based on three main things - political issues, social issues and personal issues - things that play an important role in everyone's lives." When asked what inspired him Mr Dube answered: "People! Looking at people, watching people's movements, the things they do. My songs are based on real life situations and experiences."

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