The ManicaPost
THE “One People” band rose from the ashes of pain caused by the tragic passing of their talented and charismatic leader, Lucky Dube in October 2007. Always popular in Ireland we were devastated when we heard the news that Lucky Dube had been murdered on the same day that we secured his 3rd Ireland tour to co-incide with Africa Day 2008.
We are therefore very pleased to announce that his ‘One People’ band has survived without him and back on the road. Stepping up to the microphone is the amiable and equally charming Thuthukani Cele, or “Thuthu” as he is known to his fans. Thuthu is doing a remarkable job bringing Lucky Dube’s prophetic words to local audiences who have an insatiable appetite for the songs of Lucky Dube, devouring each word and nuance.
The band has now performed in numerous major festivals in South Africa receiving standing ovations with each performance.. The band has also collaborated with the renowned “Freshly Ground” and Kwela Tembza on a tribute to Lucky Dube at Sun City.
In 2008 Gallo Record Company signed the band as “One People” and the recording of a new album containing their new, original material is underway. The 10-piece band has been rocking audiences with the sounds that made South Africa’s reggae king Lucky Dube a star around the world.
Who are they? Thuthukani Cele ~ Lead Vocals, Richard Sekgobela ~ Keyboards, Isaac T.O. Moloantoa ~ Bass Guitar, Joel Klein ~ Lead Guitar, Andile Nqubezelo ~ Drums, Tonique Letta Phala ~ Vocals, Thandi Bellina Radebe ~ Vocals, Gabisile Mdluli ~ Vocals, Bafana Khuzwayo ~ Keyboards, Doods Motlatsi Molefi ~ Percussion. – Feileafrica
Life history
Lucky is one of South Africa’s best-selling artists and one of its most outspoken performers. Although he initially sang in the traditional Zulu mbaqanga style, his move to reggae in 1984 was sparked by his quest to express his anger against the oppression of apartheid. While The Village Voice observed, “The spirit of Lucky Dube’s music and dance epitomizes the spirit of Black liberation”, Niceup Magazine wrote, “(Dube’s) lyrics have brought an original voice to reggae by chronicling the political and spiritual struggles of his South African brethren”. Brethren musical talents were obvious from an early age. By the age of nine, he was conducting his school choir. After singing with school rock & roll bands, he joined his cousin, Richard Siluma’s, mbaqanga band, the Love Brothers. Together with the group, he recorded his first single in 1979. Inspired by thcontroversialal lyrics of Peter Tosh, Dube moved to reggae in 1984.
His earliest attempts with the newly adopted style were met by strong opposition by the then-all-white South African government, and his first reggae album, Rasta Never Die was banned from radio airplay. Without notifying his record label, Dube re-entered the recording studio and cut a second reggae album, Think About the Children.
The album became a major hit and achieved gold record status. Dube’s third reggae album, Slave, sold more than five hundred thousand copies. — allmusic
For contributions on reggae/dancehall music and latest news contact Ras Libz Kartel on 0773 219 891
