A little less than thirty-seven years ago, in summer of 1983, the English reggae band UB40 released their fourth album, the first of only interpretations by other artists, the so-called "covers".
For two years the world prophet of Caribbean music, Bob Marley, had died prematurely and reggae had become even more of a world musical phenomenon.
Not even the Birmingham brothers Ali and Robin Campbell and the other founder, the Afro-British Astro, would have ever imagined selling more than five million records with the idea of a modern and slightly electronic reggae and the adaptation of unfamiliar tracks from the Sixties such as "Red Red Wine" by Neil Diamond, Please don't make me cry" by Winston Tucker and "Keep on moving" by Curtys Mayfield, plus a great Jimmy Cliff classic, "Many rivers to cross" and other minor tracks from dusty vinyl, cleaned up with style and sung by Campbell's polite, summery voice.
After many years and other albums that have consolidated its success, the Campbell brothers (to which the minor, Duncan, has been added) have quarrelled and several times reformed and divided the band.
But the two members of the original core, Ali and Astro, are already on track for a world tour that judging by the title will last three years! In fact, from this year the celebrations of the fortieth anniversary of "Labour of Love" open and one of the first stages chosen by Ali Campbell and his multi-instrumentalist is Nairobi. On Saturday, February 1, UB40 will perform in the arena of the Carnivor restaurant in the capital for a concert that for Kenya is a real event and that is already making a full house and few tickets left. It goes from Kes. 5000 from the simple place to the Kes. 10 or 20,000 of the Vip Zone. More information and reservations at www.mtickets.com and www.ticketsasa.com or by calling 0777404040 or 0702404040