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Johannesburg - The late Lucky Dube’s second-born child, Nkulee Dube, is testimony to the words of Jesus that “a prophet has no honour in his own country”.
Nkulee is not known at home, however, the 35-year-old continues to make headlines outside the country.
Earlier this month, she was honoured in the US when the city of Buffalo in New York and mayor Byron Brown issued a proclamation naming 10 June Nkulee Dube Day.
“I was really surprised to get this naming. You know, the mayor listens to my father’s music and has been to many of my shows, and when they came on stage to give me this honour I was surprised,” said Dube.
She says she has been singing since the age of 16, after matriculating, and has worked alongside the likes of the late Lebo Mathosa and Afro-pop artist Ntando.
Dube’s journey includes being nominated in the Chicago World Music Awards in six categories against the likes of Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and other international stars. She walked away with the award for the most promising entertainer.
Sadly, not much is known about her at home.
“I think reggae is taking time to find great relevance ekhaya [back home, in South Africa].
“I think it was more prominent in my father’s time and during the apartheid era, when it was used as a tool and spoken word to speak your feelings and truth against the government. Hopefully with time it will get better.”
Dube says when she is not on international tour she hangs out in Johannesburg.
“I grew up in Meadowlands and Zola. My music career started when I was allowed to pursue it at home after I passed my matric.
Dube said her father’s career influenced her art and continues to do so.
Although she takes a lot from her father, she does believe that she brings a different tone to the genre.
“My role in reggae comes from the context of a new generation. My father’s content was during the apartheid government and mine really isn’t the same because I don’t focus on the government.
“However, I deal with issues such as drugs, domestic violence and youth-related issues in this context.”
She hopes to have a collaboration with Thandiswa Mazwai.
“Locally, I am a big fan of Thandiswa and I hope to work with her soon. I really am her groupie; I think she is amazing I hope to work with her as well as Ntando again, and Sjava and Ringo,” she says.
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