Like the Phoenix, One People has risen from the ashes of pain caused by the tragic slaying of their talented and charismatic leader, Lucky Dube, in October last year.

Stepping up behind the mic is the amiable and equally charming Thuthukani Cele, who to date is doing a remarkable job taking Dube’s prophetic words to local audiences who have suddenly developed an insatiable appetite for his tunes, devouring each word and nuance.

One People is Cele on lead vocals, Richard Sekgobela and Bafana Khuzwayo (keyboards), band leader Skipper Shabalala (lead guitar), Toto Molantoa (bass guitar), Andile Ngqubezelo (drummer), Doods Molefe (percussions), Tonique Phala, Thandi Radebe and Gabisile Mdluli (backing vocals).

Since Dube passed on the band has performed at the Ekurhuleni Arts Festival, The Tribute To Our Heroes and Diamonds & Dorings as well as collaborating with Freshlyground and Jub Jub at the Samas at the weekend.

 And every time they took to the stage the crowds dissolved into a frenzy of excitement or peals of ecstasy – a hype that can only be dished out by a butt-kicking band like One People.

Thrust from his position as keyboard player, Cele was thrown in at the deep end after his sterling performance at the emotionally charged memorial service for Dube in the Newtown Hall in Jozi.

“When it became apparent that we were going to continue performing, the band chose me to become the lead singer,” Cele said.

He said making the choice was easy because even when Dube was still alive he used to step in for him.

“When Lucky was not around I used to lead rehearsals,” Cele said. “ Whenever he needed a breather I would step in by singing without us taking a break, and people would be none the wiser.

“You can’t afford to make a mistake on stage and apologise afterwards,”

In spite of the buzz around them, Cele said he had yet to feel any pressure.

 “People are still curious about the band’s destination,” he said. “Our performances are like an adventure aimed at seeing whether we can successfully pull off our act.

“They still bet on who is going to sing but all those who loved Lucky have thrown their support behind One People.

“This has created a hype for the band. With each performance we become the talk of the town. Something that has given us hope that if we release an album, we will enjoy the support of Lucky’s fans worldwide.”

Cele said when Dube passed away it was as if a part of them was torn away.

“Eddy’s tour might be a godsend. It’s happening at about the same time we always went to Europe. It has given us hope.”

The dreadlocked, soft-spoken Cele started working with Dube at the end of 1982.

“I was with Amakhosi Oqobo and later Abangane when Lucky invited me for a tour of Swaziland.

“When we came back I moved to Newcastle to play in his mbaqanga group. He was already moving towards reggae because he had already dropped Rastas Never Die.”