Reggae royalty UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is coming to South Africa in 2026. With Ali’s unmistakable vocals and the band’s signature horn lines and laid-back groove, their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Fans can expect timeless hits like “Red Red Wine” and “Kingston Town” brought to life in a live show that will have everyone singing along.
UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell Tour Dates and Venues
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will perform at:
- Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town on 2 June 2026
- Durban ICC, Durban on 4 June 2026
- SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria on 6 June 2026 (Sold Out)
- SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria on 7 June 2026
This is another Big Concerts Experience, presented in association with KFM 94.5, East Coast Radio, and Hot 102.7.
General public tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster and Big Concerts.
Ali Campbell Reflects on UB40’s Journey
Ali Campbell, founder of UB40 and the authentic voice behind their biggest hits, said, “When I first founded UB40 back in 1978, I put everything I had into it, including compensation money from a criminal injury claim. None of us imagined we would sell over 100 million records and take reggae from Birmingham to the world. Coming back to play in such beautiful surroundings is the perfect way to celebrate with our fans.”
UB40: A Legacy of Reggae and Social Awareness
UB40 formed in Birmingham, England, as a group of friends from diverse backgrounds. From the start, they became known for socially conscious lyrics and laid-back reggae rhythms.
With Ali Campbell’s distinctive voice leading the way, the band blended reggae, dub, and pop to bring the genre into the mainstream.
They achieved global fame in the 1980s with hit singles, including reggae covers of classics like Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine,” “I Got You Babe” featuring Chrissie Hynde, and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You.” Original albums such as Signing Off (1980) and Labour of Love (1983) further cemented their reputation, addressing themes of unemployment, political struggle, and racial unity.
UB40 ft Ali Campbell: The Current Line-Up
After leaving the group in 2008 due to financial mismanagement, Ali Campbell released Running Free (2007) and Flying High (2009), highlighting his love for reggae. Keyboardist Mickey Virtue joined him, and in 2013, vocalist Astro reunited with Ali to form UB40 ft Ali, Astro & Mickey, carrying forward the original spirit of the band with Campbell’s voice at its heart. Following Astro’s passing in 2021, Ali continues to honour the legacy in every performance.
Fans can expect a vibrant setlist including classics such as “Cherry Oh Baby,” “Please Don’t Make Me Cry,” and “Kingston Town.”
UB40 Today
UB40 ft Ali Campbell continues to captivate audiences worldwide, performing sold-out shows and delighting fans old and new. With Ali’s iconic vocals leading the way, the band’s legacy remains as strong as ever, proving that reggae’s timeless appeal shows no signs of fading.
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