While driving his Chrysler 300C in Rosettenville, a suburb of Johannesburg, the legendary reggae superstar, Lucky Philip Dube was shot dead on October 18, 2007.
According to South African Authorities, the Rastafarian who boasted 22 studio albums, was shot by carjackers who “didn’t recognise him.”
His murderers – all of whom were arrested – were in 2009 sentenced to life imprisonment.
Before his death, Dube who was arguably Africa’s best selling artiste had a special connection with Uganda and had performed in Kampala a record five times.
He made is debut appearance in 1995 before making a comeback in 1996, 1997, 2000 and lastly in 2003.
Dube staged over eight sell-out concerts but the most memorable was 1997 when the Mandela National Stadium was officially opened.
While speaking to the media in 2003 at Hotel Africana, Dube himself said that his love for Uganda transcended human imagination. He once referred to Uganda as his second home.
“I love the people of Uganda because they are friendly. I have performed in many places but this is the only country where I feel very comfortable. As long as the people here love my music, I will always come back,” he said.
Lucky?
Lucky Dube was born on August 3, 1964. His parents separated before his birth and he was raised by his mother who named him Lucky because she considered his birth fortunate after a number of failed pregnancies.
All his albums were hits but the most popular remain Prisoner (1989), Slave, Together as One (1992), The Way it is (1999) among others. His album Victims sold more than a million copies in 1993.