Lucky Dube was more than a legend. He was a fair, considerate, honest man and a good friend. I recall an incident from our last tour to the United States, from where we returned a few weeks ago. The tour turned into a financial disaster owing to us missing big, paying shows because of flight delays and shows being cancelled because of rain. Lucky gave up his salary so the band and I could get our full wages.
Another thing that stuck out was his sense of humour. He would have us in stitches in the studio but, at the same time, was a total professional. When we arrived back at the hotel late at night after a gig, Lucky expected us to keep our voices down so as not to wake any of the other hotel guests.
The more successful he became overseas, the less popular he became here, it seems. I don’t think people in this country realise just how big Lucky was internationally.
I can recall thinking many times in the middle of shows in Brazil or northern African countries: ‘I wish people back home could see what’s going on.â€
He would pack out stadiums in Africa, the Pacific Islands, Nicaragua and the Caribbean. He would sell out shows in Australia, New Zealand and Europe, especially Holland and Germany. I remember a time in Ghana when, during a show with an inadequate sound system, I could barely hear Lucky and the band because the crowd was singing so loudly. They knew every single word of every song.
Musically, he was a purist and would not let anybody touch his music. I remember him declining remix requests from a number of international DJs, preferring to stick to what he loved.
The messages in his songs affected millions deeply. Every time he was doing his vocals in the studio for a new song he would say to me: ‘Are you hearing what I’m saying?†He was totally sincere and had an incredible voice. In the studio and on stage, being off-pitch was not an option. He could reach notes with his falsetto that were unbelievable.
Lucky did not like talking about business. His priority was not to be a superstar but just to be with his family on his farm in Newcastle. He was a deeply spiritual and religious man and was a devout follower of the Shembe religion. Although he was not a Rastafarian, he believed in a lot of their ideologies and had many books on the lifestyle.
My heart and condolences go out to his wife, children, parents and family. The world has lost a truly amazing man. Rest in peace, my good friend.
Lucky Dube was born on August 3 1964 and died on October 18 2007. He will be laid to rest on Sunday in Newcastle
Dave Segal has been Lucky Dube’s engineer, in studio and on the road, since 1984. He writes in his personal capacity.