What follows below is the first announcement made on ReggaeReport.com. It was posted approx. 3 a.m. EST, after hearing the terrible news from our good friend, Lee Abel, who just happened to come across the news while on the internet. In the days that followed, the story – and our sadness – grew. There were men caught and arrested, a public memorial was held in Johannesburg, and Lucky was laid to rest in his homeland, the rural country that he loved, Natal. I will work to add more words here, as my friend’s story is one that needs to be told. Like one of his musician’s was quoted saying, “if Lucky Dube is not safe, none of us are safe.” Thank you for your patience.
September 19, 2007 – Miami, FL
Lucky Dube – Shot and Killed in Johannesburg Street Attack
By M. Peggy Quattro
It is with great sadness and pain that we report that South African Reggae star Lucky Dube was shot and killed in a Johannesburg suburb street attack late Thursday, police said.
The 43-year-old singer had dropped of his 15-year-old-son son at a family member’s house, and his 16-year-old daughter was in the car with him, in the Rosettenville district of Johannesburg, when he was approached by two or three youths in an apparent car-jacking. Lucky sped up to get away and was shot reportedly three times. He crashed into a tree and died on the scene. Continue reading
Ziggy and his band, featuring Santa Davis on drums and Skully on percussions, joined another Jamaican legend, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, on the line-up for a free concert held at beautiful Peacock Park in the village of Coconut Grove. Thousand of fans showed up for the music, the food, the perfect weather, and the opportunity to see the young legend perform on his home turf.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced recently, during a press briefing at Office of the Prime Minister, that February will officially be Reggae Month in the country of Jamaica. Furthermore, he instructed Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall to issue the proclamation declaring the long-awaited honor.
He began recording independently in 2003 when he released his first solo album entitled Dragonfly. His most recent endeavor, Love Is My Religion, has received worldwide acclaim and earned him his fourth Grammy Award. He took some time to talk with Reggae Report recently after sound check at the Greek Theatre in Hollywood, California. We spoke about his philosophy, music, dreams, and a few secret projects he’s been working on. Here’s our conversation with Ziggy Marley!