Black Uhuru: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Black Uhuru play "Here Comes Black Uhuru", "As The World Turns", "I See You" and "What Is Life" at the Tiny Desk.

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Dec. 2, 2019 | Abby O'Neill -- Considering the state of global politics, there's never been a better time to get reacquainted with the righteousness of Black Uhuru. The iconic reggae band, whose name means "Black Freedom" in Swahili, is still going strong after more than 40 years, and they brought their much-needed songs of solidarity to the Tiny Desk. Fittingly, the set begins with "Here Comes Black Uhuru," a telling and literal re-introduction to the group's legacy for audiences that may be unfamiliar with their extensive catalogue.

While most-known for their late-'70s and early-'80s classics — years defined by a game of musical chairs within the group as played by founding members and/or collaborators Michael Rose, Garth Dennis, Don Carlos, Sandra "Puma" Jones, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare and even Junior Reid — this incarnation of Black Uhuru, with frontman and co-lead Andrew Bees, has been touring and recording since about 1997 or so, longer than any of the configurations that precede it. As The World Turns, an album that was mired in issues around its master recordings, was finally released in 2018 — six years after it was recorded — and earned a Grammy nomination for best reggae album. Its title track is the second song of this set, followed up by "I See You," a love song led by Derrick "Duckie" Simpson, a co-founder and the only steady member of the group since its beginnings in the early '70s.

The most well-known song of the performance — "What Is Life?" — explores the hopelessness endemic to those who are economically and socially disadvantaged, and explores the complexities of the human experience — what life could be, versus what it is. Despite being written and recorded in 1984, you can probably recognize the endurance of its themes.

SET LIST
"Here Comes Black Uhuru"
"As The World Turns"
"I See You"
"What Is Life"

MUSICIANS
Derrick "Duckie" Simpson: vocals; Andrew Bees: vocals; Elsa Marie Green: vocals; Daniel "Axemon" Thomson: bass, keys; Horace "King Hopeton" Campbell: keys; Frank Stepanek: guitar; Rolando "Phanso" Wilson: drums

CREDITS
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, Patrick Boyd; Videographers: Jack Corbett, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Morgan Noelle Smith; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR

[crieverytim]

man why didnt this get the same amount of love as other TD concerts??? Black Uhuru is awesome. was pleased to see they got their own desk

[Nasriyn]

One of my favorite Reggae groups! RIP Sista Puma❤️

[S]

Saw Black Uhuru many times in the early 80's... Glastonbury Festival, Wembley Stadium with the Rolling Stones.... This ain't the same band..but they're keeping the unique spirit of Black Uhuru alive... Respect !!

[joelashadali]

Im 59yo me and my close friends were huge fans early- mid 80s. Miss the ogs like everyone else but appreciate Duckie still making music.

[nufferville]

Missing Mykal Rose, Puma Jones and Duckie Simpson, (still member thou) with Sly and Robbie, those were the days, big up di new guys same way, blessed!

[pianistNorganist]

Well this is a greatly unexpected treat. Like walking into a house smelling your favorite food

[karimyoussef]

I respect people having different taste in music but how on earth can 48 people be disliking this beautiful act

[poemello]

THIS ☝️ MAJOR TINY DESK THANK YOU

BLACK UHURU ❤️🖤💛 🇯🇲 🇯🇲🇯🇲

[Projacked]

I just realized, Tiny Desk is like listening to a better version of your vinyl.
Sooo sweet.

[mr]

Whapen star! There is definitely a party in session at Tiny Desk! One of the necessary bands of any era!

[FreeformThoughts]

One of my fav groups...I love how NPR gives these artist this type of platform to display their art!

[vellabella]

They performed "what is life" better than I remembered via cassette and cd ! Aging myself. I am almost 40 yrs old and remember listening to a reggae radio channel late on Sundays night. They are true artist!

[kierank]

Jah bless! My childhood! Didn’t expect to see Black Uhuru on Tiny Desk ✨🇯🇲

[BlackSheepAmsterdam]

Amazing. Love the guitarist- so high he forgot his pick on the neck . "never seen before" BIG Up

[rayray]

First reggae album I ever bought was Black Uhuru back around 1995 ordered it from those music catalogs everyone would get in mail my mom sent check and it took weeks to arrive. Loved it big fan since then.

[lydiawoodard]

Ducky Simpson OG... Return of Black Uhuru...Thank U

[benjaminesqueda]

Respect for Derrick "Duckie" Simpson and the other members of such an important reggae band, though the spirit and escense are nearly gone...

[michaelgrant]

Black Uhuru still holding their own, but Michael rose is missed, rip puma

[multi]

How on earth did this slip pass me! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Rip Puma/ Robbie Shakespeare and Garth Dennis !!!

[UKLeonie]

According to my parents 1st concert they ever took me to was to see this band, my mum still has the ticket👏👏👏👏