The legacy of South African reggae icon Lucky Dube continues to inspire generations, both across the African continent and around the globe. In a moving tribute to his enduring impact on music, culture, and social justice, the Mpumalanga Department of Education has officially launched the Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts.
Unveiled on August 3—a date that would have marked the legend’s 62nd birthday—the state-of-the-art facility stands in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, the very community where Lucky Dube grew up before becoming an international reggae superstar.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Creative Talent
The Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts is designed to be far more than a conventional academic institution. It serves as a beacon of creative opportunity for local youth, blending standard academic curricula with specialized, hands-on training across both creative and technical fields.
What the School Offers
- Performance Disciplines: Professional instruction in music, drama, and dance.
- Technical Production: Practical training in sound engineering, stage lighting, video production, and event management.
By equipping students with both performance skills and behind-the-scenes technical expertise, the institution aims to create sustainable career pathways in the evolving global creative economy.
In an official statement, the Msukaligwa Local Municipality highlighted the broader vision for the school:
“A school proudly bearing his name, the Lucky Dube Secondary School of Performing Arts stands as a beacon of excellence, creativity, and opportunity, providing young people with a platform to nurture their artistic talents while pursuing academic success.”
A Tribute Embraced by the Dube Family
Lucky Dube was tragically murdered in 2007 at the age of 47, a loss that sent shockwaves through the global music community. While time has passed, the pain remains palpable for those closest to him.
Speaking at the launch event—attended by community leaders, government officials, educators, and representatives from Dube’s long-time label, Gallo Music—his son, Thokozani Dube, reflected on the emotional significance of the dedication:
“It will always be difficult for us to find closure… So, I don’t think we’ll ever really truly be over it or find that particular closure. But we keep moving day on day.”
“For us as a family, it’s a great honour that our father, brother, husband, is honoured in this particular way and especially in a community where he was born, in a community where he grew up.”
Preserving an Unstoppable Legacy
Lucky Dube’s music was built on messages of peace, unity, and resilience against injustice. By embedding his name and spirit into an institution dedicated to youth empowerment, his home province ensures that his voice will echo not only through his timeless songs, but through the talent of generations to come.
