BEN Priest is a Nigerian based in Johannesburg, South Africa and the lead vocalist of Lucky Dube band. In this interview with Tejiri Ebikeme/Francis Sadhere, he lamented the unfortunate killing of Lucky Dube in October 18, 2007, but he said the time for mourning the reggae legend was over, and that it is now time to celebrate his life. He also spoke on what people should expect from the Lucky Dube Band. Enjoy the interview:
Please introduce yourself to us.
My name is Ben Priest. I am from South-South Nigerian, Cross River State precisely. But I will like to say that I am an African. I am an ardent follower of reggae music. I love reggae music very well. Over the years I have been the lead singer in the Lucky Dube band and that is how it has been over the years.
How did you get to know Lucky Dube?
I have never met him once but I all I can remember now that I have always had this passion for him since I was a little boy. I became attached to his music when I became an adult and I started singing some of his music professionally. I have been doing my own shows here in Nigeria in night clubs every weekend. My favorite kind of music was lucky Dube songs. And along the line, I think they got to hear some of my performance and singing of Lucky Dubes songs in the internet and the band contacted me from South Africa. I had to go to South Africa for the audition and the audition was a superb one and they were impressed.
When did you go to South Africa?
I went to South Africa September 2008 but I was officially signed as the lead singer of the Lucky Dube band in February 2013. All this time that I was working with them they were not in the right mood to deal with any kind of artist. They were busy with the court cases of who killed Lucky Dube. So I had to wait all these years to get officially signed into the band.
Are you saying that you got into the band after Lucky Dube’s death?
Yes. Lucky Dube died in 2007 and I want to South Africa in 2008. Back then when I was in Nigeria I did a tribute song for Lucky Dube after he was killed. The song was all over the internet and I think that was where the Manager of the band got to hear the song and decided to invite me to South Africa. Richard Luma, the former manager of Lucky Dube was the one that invited me to South Africa.
How has it been without Lucky Dube for this past eight years?
These past eight was not easy for the band because what happened was like taking away the breadwinner of home from the family. They were all complete in the band but the only problem they had then was who was going to sing. The band was a standard band in all ramification and they wanted to keep that standard. There were a lot of people who sing like Lucky Dube but I think they just wanted someone who sings exactly like him with the same tone. I know there a lot of people out there who can sing better than me but they found me worthy enough to step on the shoes of Lucky Dube and they chose me. So I will say that it was not an easy road for the band since Lucky Dube was killed.
Now tell us, what has the band being doing for the past eight years since Lucky Dube died?
Since Lucky Dube died the band has not done any international show and you will agree with me that since the head of the band was missing things will not be the same. But I will say the band has been trying to keep up the legacy of Lucky Dube and they have been doing several shows around the country and the neighboring countries. It was when I came into the band that they were able to record an album titled Celebrate His Life. The album is really striving very well in the market today. The Album is a kind of tribute to Lucky Dube. The album is all about projecting Lucky Dube because the band came into existence because of him. The album is dedicated to him and it talks about how good Lukcy Dube was to the world. The album is self explanatory. We are celebrating his life because the time of mourning has past. Now is the time for us to start celebrating his life and his legendary act. He was like a prophet. On the front cover of the CD, he is boldly projected more than the band members.
Is there any plan to market the album Celebrating His Life in Nigeria, knowing that the country is the biggest fan base of Lucky Dube?
I have always tried to talk to the Band Manager, Lenah Mochoele about marketing the album in Nigeria but she was a little bit reluctant because she did not know much about Nigeria. But lately she is beginning to understand that Nigeria is the biggest fan base of Lucky Dube in Africa. Right now she is talking with some marketers in Nigeria to see how the album could be marketed in Nigeria.
How is the relationship between Lucky Dube band and Thuthukane Cele?
Thuthukane is a great guy and he has always had the support of the band. What I understand is that after the death of Lucky Dube he started running his own thing. I dont know his reason for going solo but all I know is that he comes around to say high to band members and play around with some of the instruments. He is always there for use when the band needs him. Over the years, I have not seen any kind of bad blood between him and the band. He is a great guy and his relationship with the band is cordial because even last week he was here with the band and we had dinner together.
What is the relationship between Lucky Dube Band and the children he left behind?
I have seen Bongi Dube and Nkuli Dube around the band and they are trying very hard to keep the legacy of their father. The family of Lucky Dube are hundred percent behind the band. They are always in touch with members of the band they are making sure that the band does not go into extinction. They are solidly behind the band. They are aware of everything that the band is doing.
What are the immediate plans of the band today?
We are trying to advance the legacy of Lucky Dube. Recently we went to Namibia for a show on the 18th of October and the turnout was massive. We were also trying to come to Nigeria in December. Lenah the manager has been trying to contact the government of Nigeria to see if we could come during the Calabar festival. The band had always come to Nigeria when Donald Duke was the Governor of Cross River because he is a very huge fan of Lucky Dube. But he is no longer there today but we can still work something out. However, looking at where the time is right now, I do not think it will be possible this year again. So right now we are thinking of making it next year or when there is any immediate invitation. But the one I know of right now is the one going to take Place in Australia, New Caledonia in December. So I think when we get to Australia things will brighten up from there.
Do you think anybody can ever step into the big shoe Lucky Debe left behind?
Speaking for myself, I do not think I can be able to replace him. What I am trying to do is to bring him alive and advance his legacy. I am going to be walking behind his shoes and I know it is not going to be easy. But I will try my best to bring him alive as long as the band and the family allow me. I am very passionate about this man and I do not think anybody can replace him.
What is your message to Lucky Dube Fans all over the world?
As the lead singer of the band I want to tell his fans that this man has been a legend and he has touched the lives of many through his music and I think it is time for us to celebrate him and move on by listening to his music. He has always preached the gospel of truth, harmony, togetherness and love and I think it is high time we follow suit according to the foundation he has laid. We should love each other just like what he always preaches. The unification of mankind, and not just Africa, but all people in world should be our top priority. His music is educative, entertaining and informative. These three things are very important component of his music. The unification of all mankind is the dream of Lucky Dube.
