Meaning of “House of Exile” by Lucky Dube

“House of Exile” is a song by the late South African reggae musician Lucky Dube. Lyrically, “House of Exile” tells the story of an exiled freedom fighter and his relentless quest to ensure that his people are free. In the mountains of a foreign country, where the freedom fighter has sought refuge, he tries “to send a message” to his beloved people back home.

What’s this message?

He wants his people to know that the sole reason why he is still in exile. And what’s this reason? The immense love he has for his nation. Apparently he would continue to remain in the jungles fighting until his nation is free at last.

Prior to going into exile, the fighter had so many things he cherished, including a home and the “love of a girl”. However, he was forced to abandon all these things to become a freedom fighter because his main goal in life is to see nothing but the freedom of his nation. He wants a nation where everybody (regardless of their race, background or color) “will be equal in the eyes of the law”.

Is this song about apartheid in South Africa?

Absolutely. It is one of the many tracks of Dube that deal with the issue of Apartheid and the fight for freedom. The song was released in the early 1990s – while apartheid was still ongoing in South Africa. Apartheid was a brutal political and social system in South Africa which not only segregated blacks from whites but also gave more rights to the latter. Simply put, it was a policy of segregation that brutally oppressed black people. Apartheid officially began in South Africa in 1948 and ended in 1994. Throughout his career, Dube was highly critical of the Apartheid regime and segregation based on race/religion.

Is the freedom fighter in “House of Exile” Nelson Mandela?

The freedom fighter in the song could be a fictional character or one of the numerous freedom fighters in South Africa who contributed to the destruction of Apartheid. Nelson Mandela wasn’t the only anti-apartheid fighter or activist in South Africa. Other famous South African anti-apartheid freedom fighters include Laloo Chiba, Victoria Mxenge, Peter Abrahams and Bantu Stephen Biko. All these heroes risked their lives to help bring freedom to South Africa.

Facts about “House of Exile”

• “House of Exile” was written by Lucky Dube.
• It is the first track of Dube’s 1992 album of the same title.
• This track isn’t just one of the most famous songs by Dube it is also one of Africa’s most successful reggae songs.
• Contrary to popular belief, this song actually has an official music video.