Obert Dube: Pan-African voice of resilience, cultural pride

VICTORIA Falls-based praise poet Obert Dube rose to unexpected fame with his poem Africa, composed for Africa Day in 2020.

The work resonated deeply across the continent, propelling Dube from a local figure to a celebrated pan-African voice.
Dube’s journey reflects the biblical adage of a “prophet without honour in his own town” (Mark 6:4). Though a National Arts Merit Award (Nama) winner in 2014, he hadn’t garnered widespread recognition before the poem Africa.

Today, Dube boasts an impressive collection of accolades — 12 local and international awards alongside two honorary recognitions — all stemming from the success of Africa. The poem thrust him onto the global stage, leading to performances in Germany, Switzerland and beyond.

His diverse collection of awards includes four United Africa for Economic Empowerment awards, three Namas, three Amaqhawanentaba Music Awards, two Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards, and two honorary awards.

Dube’s status as a Pan-African poet and the enduring popularity of “Africa” has made him a sought-after performer at international events. He has graced stages at the All-Africa Youth Conference (Nairobi, Kenya), the International Afrika Expo Festival (Germany), the South Africa Traditional Music Awards, and events in Eswatini, Botswana, and Cameroon, among others.

As Zimbabwe joins Africa in celebrating Africa Day today, Dube emphasises the ongoing pursuit of the “Africa We Want” agenda. He recently delivered a performance at the Insurance Pension Commission event in Victoria Falls.

The poem Africa laments the abandonment of certain African traditions in favour of perceived superior practices from other continents. This theme resonated with renowned Kenyan Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, who invited Dube to perform in Kenya and offered support through his PLO Foundation.

“That poem has helped me meet so many people and travel to so many countries and has helped me win the Pan-African Poet of the Year four times. We have won political independence as Africans, but we haven’t gained economic independence, that’s not the Africa we want,” said Dube.

To celebrate Africa Day this year, Dube is going beyond performance and embracing philanthropy. He’s donating essential items, including sanitary pads and books, to vulnerable children across Matabeleland North, Bulawayo and Midlands. This initiative reflects Dube’s commitment to social responsibility, as the praise poet has already supported around 150 children since starting his charity work. Notably, he aims to reach 40 children this year.

“For this Africa Day, I will attend Riddim Launch in Mfelandawonye and later go to a musical show. This year my Africa Day target was to give back to communities, especially empowering the girl child. I donated sanitary pads to two schools, Emakhandeni Secondary and Sikhulile Secondary in Bulawayo, and next week I will donate more to other schools,” he said.
Dube finds deep satisfaction in his work, knowing it has a positive impact. He has directly contributed to uplifting livelihoods by paying school fees and acquiring school materials for vulnerable children.

However, Dube clarifies a recent media misquote. A Facebook post mentioning his focus on philanthropic work was misinterpreted as him quitting poetry. He assures fans that his creative pursuits remain a vital part of his life.

“I am not yet retiring. I will announce when I retire from poetry. Yes, it’s something I wanted to do, but fans asked me not to and I had to listen to them. However, some journalists misinterpreted my Facebook post and said I have quit poetry which is not true,” he said.

Hailing from Lupane and raised in a humble background, Dube’s artistic pursuits are deeply rooted in cultural preservation and youth empowerment. He tackles social issues like school dropout rates, absenteeism and low pass rates through his work.
Dube’s multilingual talent shines in his creations, with most works composed in both IsiNdebele and English. A highly sought-after figure, he takes centre stage at weddings and public events, captivating audiences with his poetry recitals, jokes and MC skills.

Dube’s artistic journey is further reflected in his albums, including Uhambo Lwami, We are One, Half Time, Impilo, Ngilestress and My Journey. —@ncubeleon