In relations to the instruments, the CDuniverse website reports that the personnel used in the recording of this song included Lucky Dube who composed the lyrics, Alistair Coakley who was in charge of the guitar and Vuli Yeni playing the saxophone. This song was no different and the album sold millions of copies worldwide showing the impact that his songs had on humanity. In all his lyrics, he managed to bring out critical and controversial issues that affected people around the world. The form which is taken by this song is a common style used by lucky Dube and other reggae music artists who sing Roots.Īccording to Routledge, Lucky Dube is known by many of his fans as a global ambassador for peace, equality and justice (497).
The form taken by the song consists of three short verses which Lucky Dube sings alone and a repetitive chorus which is sang in collaboration with the instrumentalists and the back up singers. The only option that the audience is left with after listening to this song are either to understand and relate to the situations expressed in the song or to just listen to the music and embrace the feelings that it generates within our hearts. The words used in the song generate mixed feelings in the audience and the meaning may differ from one person to another. What makes the structure hard to analyze is the fact that the lyrics actually reflects on the thoughts of the composer. In regards to the structure, the lyrics are written in continuous prose from the first verse to the last. The lyrics are carefully selected to ensure that they can be easily understood by the audience without malice. Through the lyrics, the composer effectively conveys his message about racial discrimination and recommends that people shun this unbecoming habit. The lyrics and choice of instruments used in the song gives it a somber mood clearly reflecting on the sadness that the issues being raised project. The song is written and produced in accordance to the reggae music format. The alternation between him and the back up singers is common in his songs and plays a vital role in ensuring that the audience understands the message (short lines that are easy to cram). He urges the governments and politicians not to separate the people depending on their race.Īs regarding to the song itself, Lucky Dube uses back up singers to reinforce his main point throughout the song.
He reinforces his claim by quoting the bible where God created man in his own image irrespective of their races.
He asserts that in as much as we have different skin colors, we are one people. The composer tries to unite people of different races through the lyrics of this song. It fits the composers singing style in regards to the instruments, pace, genre and message. The lyrics to this song were originally written by lucky Dube, and the song recorded at Downtown studios in South Africa. The song is in the album titled “Victims” which was released in 1993. Among his songs was “different colors-one people” which touched the lives of his many fans worldwide. His interest in world history and that of his native country, accompanied by his Rastafarian roots and religion played a pivotal role in his desire to express relevant issues through his music.Ĭonsequently, he launched his music career in 1974 as a member of various bands before he decided to go solo in 1982. Born in South Africa on 3 rd August 1964, Lucky Dube was destined for greater things in the music industry. He is among the greatest icons in the reggae music industry. After singing with school rock & roll bands, he joined his cousin, Richard Siluma's, mbaqanga band, the Love Brothers. By the age of nine, he was conducting his school choir. brethren musical talents were obvious from an early age. While The Village Voice observed, "The spirit of Lucky Dube's music and dance epitomizes the spirit of Black liberation", Niceup Magazine wrote, "(Dube's) lyrics have brought an original voice to reggae by chronicling the political and spiritual struggles of his South African brethren". Although he initially sang in the traditional Zulu mbaqanga style, his move to reggae in 1984 was sparked by his quest to express his anger against the oppression of apartheid. Lucky Dube (born Ermelo Dube pronounced "doo bay") is one of South Africa's best-selling artists and one of its most outspoken performers.