Lucky Dube - Slave

"Slave" is a reggae album recorded by South African musician Lucky Dube, released in 1987. Sung entirely in English, it utilizes classic Jamaican reggae rhythms and rich vocal harmonies to deliver its powerful social messages.

The album addresses heavy social topics like alcoholism, personal responsibility, and the severe social hardships of living in apartheid-era South Africa. The title track specifically focuses on the devastating struggles of addiction and the feeling of being completely enslaved by alcohol.

Yes, Lucky Dube became South Africa's most successful reggae artist, gaining massive popularity across the African continent and Europe. "Slave" was a pivotal international release that helped establish his reputation globally during the late 1980s.

Before his highly successful transition to English reggae, Lucky Dube actually began his recording career as a traditional Zulu mbaqanga musician. He released several successful Zulu-language albums in the early 1980s before shifting entirely to the reggae format heard on "Slave."