Black Uhuru

Originally comprised of Garth Dennis, Don Carlos, and Derrick “Duckie” Simpson under the name Uhuru, the band released a couple of unsuccessful singles before disbanding. Simpson returned alongside Errol Nelson and Michael Rose, now known as Black Sounds Uhuru, and released their debut album “Love Crisis” in 1977. The album featured Sly Dunbar on drums and Robbie Shakespear on bass and was heralded by the music press as equalling any of their reggae peers.

Later in 1977, Columbia University graduate Sandra “Puma” Jones joined from South Carolina, U.S., formerly of Mama Africa, and the group took up the name Black Uhuru. This period represented the band’s most successful, working extensively with Sly and Robbie. Black Uhuru released the singles “General Penitentiary” and “Shine Eye Gal”, ahead of their sophomore album “Showcase”, the latter single of which features guest guitarist Keith Richards. “Showcase”, released in 1979 was exactly as the name suggests, a showcase of their talents, and the band went on to increase their touring schedule, including a performance at 1980’s Reggae Sunsplash Festival.

Also in 1980, the band signed with Island Records who gave an international release to their third full-length “Sinsemilla” and subsequently “Red” in 1981. “Red” reached No. 28 in the UK Albums Chart, and Rolling Stone magazine named it as their 23rd best record of the 1980s. “Chill Out” was release a year later in 1982, which again found chart success reaching No. 38 in the UK Albums Chart, which the band supported by opening for The Rolling Stones. Continuing the streak of success Black Uhuru released their fifth full-length “Anthem” in 1984 to overwhelmingly positive reviews. The album subsequently won the first ever Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album and made a number of year-end lists.

Tensions were rising within the band however and following the release Rose departed after falling out with Simpson. Black Uhuru signed with RAS Records and released the album “Brutal” which took the band in a more dance beat direction. The album earned the group a Grammy nomination and the lead single “The Great Train Robbery” became their second to reach the UK Singles Chart. Subsequently, the band stopped working with Sly and Robbie, Jones left due to ill health, replaced by Janel “Olafunke” Reid, who remained for one album “Positive” in 1988.

Black Uhuru continued to reinvent themselves with varying line-ups, although Simpson remained the only consistent member. Alongside original members Don Carlos and Garth Dennis the band reunited for a show in California and released the album “Now” in 1991. After the split and a period of touring with dub poet Yasus Afari, Simpson enlisted Andrew Bess and Jennifer Connally to record and tour in support of “Dynasty” in 2002. In 2011 Simpson returned with Bees and Kaye Starr to embark on a successful world tour including a host of international festivals.