Benjamin Dube Biography, Wife, Sons, Albums, Songs, Net worth and Awards

Benjamin Dube Biography


Bonani Benjamin Dube is a gospel songwriter, singer, music producer and pastor. He was born on 23rd January 1962 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is the last born son of the late Reverend Benjamin Dube (Senior) and Mrs Grace Dube.

He grew up attending church in Meadowlans, Soweto, in a Christian and musical family. His father (Reverend Benjamin Dube (Senior)) was a guitarist and his mother (Mrs Grace Dube) was a singer.


Benjamin Dube developed the love for playing the guitar at the age of 9. By age 11, he played drums and bass guitar. His mother, Grace would call all of them as children to come and sing, teaching them songs and how to harmonize.

In 1974, Reverend Benjamin Dube’s family started singing in the church as Dube Family Singers and Benjamin played the guitar and sang at the same time. Benjamin used to sing a hit song by Edwin Hawkins called “Oh Happy Day” in his father’s tent meetings. When his was 14, his father (Reverend Benjamin (senior)) was murdered. In 1977, the Dube Family Singers continued with what the late father’s legacy and toured the Netherlands with their mother. While on tour in the Netherlands, their mother shared with them how their father had been murdered. This inspired them to record the album “Vader vergeef he then” – Dutch, meaning “Father forgive them” – composed by the young Bonani Benjamin Dube. In 1979, the family recorded another album “Amen” under a local label.

In 1980 while at Daliwonga Secondary School, Benjamin Dube founded a singing group, “Share the Good News”. Benjamin entered an SABC talent search Competition and won 1st prize and got a Stereo Cassette player and grocery hamper from OK Bazaar. From that SABC talent search, he was spotted by a secular artist by the name of Sello “Chicco” Twala. Chicco was about to start a pop band called “Image“. He invited Benjamin Dube to become the lead vocalist for the band. That was a start of a fruitful a relationship between Benjamin Dube and Chicco Twala. Together with Image they did three projects in which Benjamin wrote one song called “Valencia“. Later in 1984/85, Benjamin recorded a family album – “We Pray for Love” followed by his 1st single – “I Live Joyfully“. When Chicco left Image to go solo he called Benjamin to join him in a company called Dephon Records.

Benjamin Dube


In 1986, Benjamin Dube began the journey of his calling into ministry when he recorded the single, ‘HOLY SPIRIT’ as Benjamin and The Youth Choir. In 1988, he released another album “EBENEZER” featuring the late Lucky Dube with Gallo Records.


Thirteen years later he cut a deal with Harmony Records in New York USA under Epic RecordLabel and recorded his first live album – “I Feel Like Going On” which sold over platinum in RSA only.

He is also an itinerary speaker. He has spoken in president Nelson Mandela’s “Freedom of the City” award presentation. In 2009 he founded Artist Hope Arise (AHA) and also co-founded God’s worshipers Convocation (GWC)

He is the founder and CEO of High Praise Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg: a non-profit organization that addresses the spiritual needs of men, women and children. He is the owner of Dube Connection; a music label licensing to SonyBMG and Spirit Music.
Benjamin Dube Education Background

He is undertaking a Degree in Psychology.


Benjamin Dube’s Sons


He has four sons. Three of them are part of The Dube Brothers. These are Mthokozisi Dube , Sihle Dube and Buhle Dube.
Benjamin Dube Wife

He is was married to Mapila Thabile Dube and they had four sons. He has divorced twice and uses his experience to counsel people on matters pertaining to marriage.

Benjamin Dube Albums

  1. I Feel Like Going On
  2. In His Presence
  3. Worship In His Presence
  4. Oh! Bless Our God
  5. Looking Back
  6. Praise The Lord – The Collection Vol. 1
  7. The Best Of (Live)
  8. Healing In His Presence
  9. You Blessed Me Still
  10. Sanctified in His Presence
  11. High praise explosion 2002
  12. Renewal in His Presence
  13. Love Africa
  14. All Time Favourites, Vol.2
  15. For Every Mountain… Thank You
  16. All Time Favourites, Vol.1
  17. All Time Favourites, Vol.3
  18. Eh Yaweh (Live)
  19. Benjamin Dube – Spiritual Celebration, Vol.1
  20. Feel like going on
  21. Spiritual Celebration, Vol. 2
  22. Benjamin Dube Songs – Benjamin Dube Music
  23. Mananjalo
  24. Lona Baratang Ho Phela
  25. Ngiyakuthanda
  26. Wena Uyingcwele
  27. Yebo Linamandla
  28. I Know Only You
  29. I’ll Rise Again
  30. Bayede
  31. This is my Time
  32. Bambelelani
  33. Grateful
  34. Prayer
  35. Saved
  36. Release My Soul
  37. Who’s Right
  38. Medley: I Bless Your Name
  39. Qhubeka
  40. It’s All Right
  41. It Is Good To Say Thank You
  42. Body Praising
  43. Uthando Luka BABA
  44. Benjamin Dube Awards

2009: Best Male Artist at the Crown Gospel Music Awards

2009: He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Crown Gospel Music Awards.

2007: Best Praise and Worship Album at the MTN-SAMA Awards.

2008: Best Praise and Worship Artist at Crown Gospel Music Award.

Benjamin Dube Net worth


He is one of the richest Gospel artists in South Africa with an estimated net worth of $110 Million (as of 2013).

Benjamin Dube Video