“Mwana (Swahili for son), it’s a big shame. We lost a real African. But at least we can find solace in the fact that his music will never die,” wrote my colleague from Uganda, Michael Ssebbowa.

Ssebbowa was referring to reggae king Lucky Dube, who was gunned down in what appeared to be a botched hijacking. I think Ssebbowa, hailing from east Africa, said this from the bottom of his heart as someone who has been touched by Dube’s music in one way or another.

Dube performed in a dozen African countries and is held in high esteem. This is clear from comparing his local sales figures with, for instance, those in Ghana.

But how does Dube find his way to our sports pages? Local soccer fans will remember Dube as one of the artists who made a positive contribution to the development of soccer in the country.

Though not as direct perhaps as players’ and club bosses’ , Dube’s role in growing the popularity of the sport cannot be ignored. Those who attended the charity soccer spectacular events in which the energetic Dube performed, will recall how he wowed the crowd.

Just as thousands of spectators were about to settle down on their seats at FNB Stadium and Ellis Park, Dube would burst on to the pitch and race from one corner to the other, animatedly belting out one of his many tunes .

With his giant locks flying in the air, the lanky reggae artist would effortlessly relay a message of unity and reconciliation while providing entertainment at the same time.

Now this is one artist that deserves to be called a muso. He not only held a place in the industry for many years but was consistent in producing great music . While many one-album wonders are referred to as veterans and or divas, Dube has been a familiar sight from the time he appeared on the scene singing mbaqanga music.

It would be wise for greenhorns to go through a few pages of history to learn that Dube was also a freedom fighter through his music. Were it not for his sacrifices – such as having his first reggae album, Rastas Never Die, banned by the apartheid media in 1985 – some of them would not be prancing around with big cars and impregnating every woman they come across.

Many people might not be aware that Dube was a multi-talented artist. He not only offered the world 16 top-drawer reggae albums but also made his mark as an actor .

Ten years ago Dube was probably one of the first reggae artists in the world to experiment by fusing classical music with reggae when he performed live with the 48-piece National Chamber Orchestra.

Among many of his highlights, Dube performed with serious artists such as Peter Gabriel, Buju Banton and Ziggy Marley to name but a few. He also released in Afrikaans, nogal.

May Jah look after you, man.