Lucky Dube ADD

Lucky Dube - Shanachie Announces 60th Birthday Vinyl Edition of 'Prisoner'

09/20/2024 by Press Release

CELEBRATING SOUTH AFRICAN REGGAE LEGEND LUCKY DUBE’S 60TH BIRTHDAY
Vinyl Edition of 'Prisoner' out November 15, 2025

After Bob Marley’s death in 1981 there was a void in the reggae firmament. No one was matching his level of international impact, and a more hedonistic style of dancehall reggae became prominent. But in 1985, in apartheid South Africa, there rose a powerful artist using reggae to deliver inspirational messages and social commentary: Lucky Dube. Within three years he became not only an African superstar but through widespread international touring and incendiary performances a genuine force on the world stage. Though his songs were often banned by the South African government, Lucky Dube managed to deliver his message and was able to see the end of apartheid in 1994. Lucky continued to release acclaimed albums and make celebrated tours until he was tragically murdered in a failed car-jacking in a suburb of Johannesburg in 2007; he was only 43.

In celebration of Lucky Dube’s tremendous legacy, on November 15, 2024, Shanachie Entertainment will release a special vinyl LP 60th Birthday Edition of his classic “Prisoner” album as part of a worldwide celebration of Lucky’s great contribution to humanity.

Prisoner, which in 1990 became Lucky Dube’s second US release, is widely regarded as his greatest album. The title track presents a metaphorical representation of the suffering of people trapped under the dehumanizing apartheid regime in poignant lyrics such as “I’m a prisoner/I asked die policeman…how much most I pay for my freedom?/ he said to me, son/ Dey won’t build no schools anymore/All they’ll build will be prison, prison.” War and Crime explicitly calls to “bury down apartheid/fight down war and crime/racial discrimination/tribal discrimination.” Remember Me, is a moving plea from a son to an absentee father, based on Lucky’s own life. It’s all held together by indelible and evocative melodies reminiscent of Lucky’s hero, Peter Tosh.

The 60th Birthday Edition of “Prisoner”, marking 60 years since Lucky’s birth (August 3, 1964), is a vinyl LP release featuring the original artwork of the South African release, two previously unreleased bonus tracks recorded live in Uganda, and a special insert with all the song lyrics and rare photos of Lucky. The album is re-mastered for ideal analog sonic presentation.

TRACKLIST: LUCKY DUBE - PRISONER (60th BIRTHDAY EDITION)