Black Uhuru – October 29, 1981 – Metropol, Berlin, Germany
Reggae’s Revolutionary Voice Rocks Berlin
On the crisp autumn evening of October 29, 1981, the historic Metropol theatre in Berlin became the pulsing heart of reggae when Black Uhuru took the stage. The legendary roots reggae group, fresh off their meteoric rise in the international music scene, delivered a performance that resonated not just in sound but in message—bridging cultures and continents through the power of Jamaican consciousness.
The Height of Black Uhuru’s International Ascendancy
By 1981, Black Uhuru had already become torchbearers for roots reggae’s global expansion. Led by the charismatic Michael Rose, alongside Puma Jones and the energetic Duckie Simpson, the group brought a revolutionary fire to their live shows, bolstered by the unmistakable rhythms of the powerhouse Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespeare (bass), collectively known as Sly & Robbie. That night in Berlin, the lineup was in full force, delivering the militant yet melodic sound that had made their albums Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Red, and Sinsemilla instant classics.
The Berlin concert came at a time when Europe was hungry for politically charged, culturally rooted music. With reggae enjoying a peak in popularity on the continent, Black Uhuru’s performance was more than just a show—it was a statement.
A Set List of Defiance and Devotion
As the Metropol’s lights dimmed, the opening bassline of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” rolled in like thunder, met with a roar from the packed house. From there, Black Uhuru journeyed through their growing catalog of anthems—“Sinsemilla,” “I See You,” “Sponji Reggae,” and “Youth of Eglington”—each track delivered with raw passion and perfect precision.
The band’s fusion of roots, dub, and rock-influenced production—spearheaded by Sly & Robbie—brought a hypnotic edge to the performance. The echoing delays, rolling snares, and throbbing basslines reverberated through the Metropol, turning the venue into a sound system temple. Michael Rose’s distinct vocal phrasing, at times haunting, at times jubilant, soared over the rhythm, while Puma Jones’s harmonies added a spiritual depth to every chorus.
Message Music in a Divided City
Performing in Berlin, a city still divided by the Cold War and the Berlin Wall, gave the show an added layer of resonance. Black Uhuru’s themes of oppression, identity, and resistance mirrored the mood of many young Berliners seeking truth beyond borders. Songs like “Leaving to Zion” and “Abortion” took on greater meaning in a city craving freedom and unity.
For the German reggae faithful in attendance, the concert was not just about the music—it was about solidarity, shared struggle, and the universal call for liberation. In this sense, Black Uhuru’s performance became more than entertainment—it became a cultural rallying cry.
Legacy of the 1981 Berlin Show
The October 29 performance at Metropol solidified Black Uhuru’s reputation as one of reggae’s most electrifying live acts. It was a moment that captured reggae’s international power, its revolutionary soul, and its ability to speak to the struggles of people everywhere.
This concert, now remembered as one of the standout shows of their 1981 European tour, continues to be a point of pride for Berlin’s reggae community and a powerful reminder of reggae’s global journey. With Grammy-winning success still ahead (they would win the first-ever Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 1985), Black Uhuru’s 1981 Berlin performance stands as a historical chapter in the internationalization of reggae.
Venue Note: Metropol, Berlin
A former 1920s dance palace turned concert venue, the Metropol has hosted an array of groundbreaking artists. For Black Uhuru, the venue’s ornate yet intimate space provided the perfect setting for a night of militant roots and rhythmic revolution.
Setlist Highlights (Reported)
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Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
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Shine Eye Gal
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Youth of Eglington
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Sponji Reggae
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Sinsemilla
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Abortion
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General Penitentiary
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Leaving to Zion
Black Uhuru 1981 Lineup:
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Michael Rose – Lead Vocals
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Puma Jones – Harmony Vocals
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Duckie Simpson – Harmony Vocals
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Sly Dunbar – Drums
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Robbie Shakespeare – Bass
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Radcliffe “Dougie” Bryan – Guitar
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Keith Sterling – Keyboards
This performance remains a landmark in reggae history—a night when Black Uhuru brought roots reggae to the heart of Berlin, and the message was received loud and clear.
