Lucky Dube still dazzles
By Sujatha Fernandes
SYDNEY — Dreadlocks streaming through the air, teasing the expectant audience with his wicked grin and rhythmic moves, Lucky Dube delivered every bit of what was promised by the promoters of his "Different Colours, One People" tour. The energetic, vibrant performance involved the audience in a ritual celebration of the struggle of all the freedom fighters in South Africa who provide the inspiration for much of his work.
The performance had a great deal to offer, including the dazzling visual experience of colour, movement and energy. The two female performers had a special affinity with the audience. The total immersion of the performers in their own enjoyment of the music translated into the appreciation of the audience who were so engrossed in the fervour of the performers that they could forgive the at times mindless reggae lyrics and overlook the repetitiveness of the music.
When Dube spoke the intensity and feeling for his work and for what he believes in were immediately apparent. He challenged the audience to think beyond their own experience and to try to imagine the political situation of a country where not only is white pitted against black but black is also set against black.
The audience was moved by his attempts to make a situation of oppression come alive for them through music and passionate words, yet they could not forgive his comments about abortion, which were informed by a strong belief in God and a women's movement in South Africa that has not campaigned on the right to abortion.
The words of the song "Little Heroes", for instance, are seen by the women's movement here as a kind of guilt trip which denies women the right to have control over their own bodies. The expression of such sentiments also serve to alienate one women's movement from another rather than finding common ground upon which to build communication.
Nevertheless, this was recognised by the audience as simply another facet of a developing and dynamic social movement that comes to its creative expression in the talent and commitment of performers such as Lucky Dube.
In box with Michael T's Lucky Dube review
Third time Lucky!
Due to the overwhelming demand for tickets to see South African reggae star Lucky Dube, a third Sydney concert has been added to his Australia/South Pacific tour. Lucky will be performing on Friday, December 3, at Selinas in Coogee.
The first two 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly readers to call (02) 690 1220 on Thursday, December 2, after 5.30 p.m. will each score a double pass to Lucky Dube's Sydney concert. The next three callers will each receive a copy of Lucky's new "Different Colours, One People" CD single.