Lucky Dube gunned down in Johannesburg

October 19, 2007

Lucky Dube was shot dead Friday in Johannesburg during a botched hijacking.

Dube, a South African reggae musician, was shot dead in Rosettenville late Thursday night, said police spokesperson Captain Cheryl Engelbrecht.

The singer was travelling in a grey Chrysler with his two teenage children at the time.

Engelbrecht said Dube had dropped off his son and daughter, aged 15 and 16, when he was attacked. The killers fled the scene, leaving the musician's car behind. The children were unhurt.

His son was already out of the car when he saw what happened, and then ran for help, Capt. Engelbrecht added.

One of South Africa's most popular artists, Lucky Dube toured the world singing about social problems.

Lucky Dube began his career by singing mbaqanga (traditional Zulu) music and recorded his first album with the Super Soul band in 1982.

He later moved into reggae, producing Rastas Never Die and Think About The Children in 1984. His albums, Slave, Prisoner and Together As One saw him gain first national and then global recognition.

Lucky Dube released his 21st and most recent album, Respect, in April.