'Oppressor man, your kingdom is falling!'
House of Exile
Lucky Dube
Dolphin/BMG Records (also Shanachie Records through Larrikin)
Available on CD and cassette
Reviewed by Norm Dixon
In the year since his spectacular first tour of Australia, South African Lucky Dube continues to be touted as world reggae's successor to the great Peter Tosh. With this album, Dube strengthens his claim to that title.
Dube, as on his previous album, Prisoner, again sweetly blends the bright mbaqanqa-inflected reggae grooves of his 13-piece band with his soulful voice, which can sweep from a mellow bass to a soaring falsetto.
The political message on Exile is more determined and defiant in demanding a rapid end to apartheid. At the same time, it underlines that the end of apartheid will bring the unity of all South Africans regardless of race. All the lyrics, except one, were written by Dube.
The album's pinnacle, musically and lyrically, is undoubtedly "Running, Falling". It may well become the South African freedom movement's reggae anthem with its triumphant magnanimity: "Oppressor man you running, your kingdom is falling/It's not the end of your life/But it's the end of your shitty kingdom/... I won't do to you/What you did to my people/Four hundred years ago/Turning them to slaves/Making them your prisoners."
The title track deals with the sacrifices of those forced into exile because of their commitment to a free South Africa and urges those who remained to remember them. In "Group Areas Act" is a hopeful yet sceptical look at the promises of
President de Klerk to bring an end to apartheid. "Crazy World" focuses on the terrible violence launched by the regime's allies in the townships. "Mickey Mouse Freedom" examines the reality of some countries in post-colonial Africa.
Lucky doesn't shy away from addressing the social problems within the communities of the oppressed. Songs such as "Hold On", "Reap What You Sow" and "Up With Hope (Down With Dope)" urge South Africans to address drug abuse, crime and violence and the breakdown in relations between parents and children, and between men and women.
The release of House of Exile coincides with Lucky's second tour of Australia. He arrives fresh from again headlining Jamaica's Reggae Sunsplash festival.
No self-respecting reggae fan or partisan of the South African freedom struggle should be without House of Exile in the vicinity of their stereo, nor should they miss the inexhaustible Lucky live if they get half the chance.
Lucky Dube's Australian tour dates:
Melbourne: Tues Sept 29 and Wed Sept 30, The Palace.
Sydney: Fri Oct 2, Selinas, Coogee; Sat Oct 3, Balmain RSL; Thurs Oct 8, Phoenician Club, Broadway.
Tweed Heads: Sun Oct 4, Seagulls Leagues Club.
Brisbane: Mon Oct 5, Brisbane City Hall; Tues Oct 6, St. Paul's Tavern.
Perth: Fri Oct 9, Berlin Club; Sat Oct 10, Fremantle Esplanade Marquee.