Black Uhuru

Black Uhuru is a Jamaican reggae group formed in 1972 in Kingston’s Waterhouse district, originally under the name Uhuru, meaning “freedom” in Swahili. Founded by Garth Dennis, Don Carlos, and Derrick “Duckie” Simpson, the group experienced early setbacks and lineup changes before re-emerging in the late 1970s as Black Uhuru with Michael Rose and Sandra “Puma” Jones. Working closely with producers Sly and Robbie, they developed a powerful roots reggae sound that gained strong local and international attention. The band’s peak came in the early to mid-1980s after signing with Island Records. Albums such as Sinsemilla, Red, and Chill Out brought them global success, with Red later being named one of the greatest albums of the 1980s by Rolling Stone. Their 1984 album Anthem marked a historic moment by winning the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1985. Despite this success, internal conflicts led to major lineup changes, including the departure of Michael Rose and later the illness and death of Puma Jones, causing instability within the group. Through the 1990s and 2000s, Black Uhuru continued under Duckie Simpson’s leadership, with multiple reunions, legal battles over the band name, and evolving lineups featuring vocalists such as Andrew Bees and Kaye Starh. The group remained active internationally, releasing new material, touring widely, and receiving lifetime achievement honors. In 2025, Black Uhuru returned to the Glastonbury Festival for the first time since 1989, reaffirming their lasting influence and status as one of reggae’s most iconic and enduring groups.