Biography of black uhuru musics
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It features Duckie on lead.
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Black Uhuru: The Roots, Rise, and Legacy of Reggae’s Revolutionary Voice
Black Uhuru stands as one of the most iconic and influential reggae bands in history, revered for their militant rhythms, haunting harmonies, and revolutionary messages that echoed the struggles and aspirations of a postcolonial Jamaica.
Shortly after the grammy Michael left the group to go solo.
Another Waterhouse resident named Junior Reid became the new lead singer. The group resurfaced in 2010 & has been touring extensively throughout Europe, South America & the United States. They performed in Jamaica and did one international tour and released the single “Dollars”.
This time there was a lawsuit brought amongst the group over the band’s legal rights in Los Angeles county court. The first song was a Curtis Mayfield cover of “Folk Song”. In 1994 they won the Diamonds Awards for Excellence. Eventually splitting up again. It was during this period they started to gain rapid popularity.
See the entire music schedule for the 2025 Festival International de Louisiane here.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Producing hits like “I Love King Sellassie, “‘Shine Eye Gals”, “General Penitentary” and “What is Life”.
BLACK UHURU released the albums Red, Chill Out, Sensemila and Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner and began to tour the world bringing them to international audiences.
Each album was nominated for grammy. And history was made when they won reggae’s first grammy award in 1984 for the album “Anthem”. Whether delivering sharp critiques of Babylon or uplifting messages of African pride and liberation, Black Uhuru continues to echo across time, a living voice of resistance and hope in reggae music.
As long as reggae is played and consciousness is raised, Black Uhuru’s voice will never fade.
For over 50 years Black Uhuru has remained one of the most popular recognized prolific reggae band from Jamaica.
The band continued to tour and record, with Duckie Simpson maintaining the Black Uhuru banner and guiding its legacy through the decades with various members.
Artists such as Junior Reid, Andrew Bees, and Don Carlos (returning) were among those who carried on the spirit of the group in various formations.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Black Uhuru remains a cornerstone of reggae history.
Though this original trio would not find international fame together, it laid the groundwork for the group’s musical and ideological direction—one steeped in Rastafari consciousness, Pan-Africanism, and the daily realities of ghetto life in Kingston.
The Golden Era: Michael Rose, Puma Jones, and Duckie Simpson
The most acclaimed and commercially successful lineup of Black Uhuru solidified in the late 1970s when Michael Rose joined as lead singer, bringing his haunting, vibrato-rich voice to the forefront.
Then in the Summer they headlined the Puerto Rico Reggae Festival at the Tito Puente Amphitheater. BLACK UHURU made reggae history when they won the first ever Grammy Award for reggae music in 1984 for the album Anthem Shortly after the grammy Michael Rose went solo.
Another Waterhouse resident named Delroy “Junior” Reid became the new lead singer.
Around this time Jr. Reid was having visa issues unable to tour.
During the mid 90’s the original members reunited. They released two albums Brutal and Positive. August 31st if now officially “Black Uhuru Day” in the city of Las Vegas.
BLACK UHURU’s long success has allowed them to become ambassadors of reggae while earning several achievements in the music industry.
Duckie would later reform the group adding Michael Rose and Errol “Tarzan” Nelson, both from Waterhouse. They’re long success along with having the highest reggae record sales after Bob Marley & the most songs sampled by other artist over the years has allowed them to become Ambassadors of reggae.
The roots of Black Uhuru formed in Kingston’s “Waterhouse” District in the late 60’s.
The original Uhuru’s were Duckie, Euvin “Don Carlos” Spencer and Rudolph “Garth” Dennis.