UB40, featuring Ali Campbell, announces electrifying 2026 South African tour across three cities

Fans of reggae music, prepare yourselves!

UB40 featuring the iconic Ali Campbell is returning to South Africa in 2026.

Known for their popular tunes and unique sound, the band is set to blow away audiences with the unmistakable voice of Campbell and the lively reggae rhythms that have earned them a special place in music history.

UB40's 3-city tour will kick off in Cape Town at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on June 2, 2026, followed by Durban ICC on June 4, 2026, and concluding at the SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria on June 6, 2026.

Fans can look forward to timeless hits such as "Red Red Wine" and "Kingston Town".

Campbell, the founder of UB40 and the voice behind their biggest hits, shared his excitement for the upcoming tour. 

"When I first founded UB40 back in 1978, I put everything I had into it - including the compensation money I’d received from a criminal injury claim. None of us could have imagined we’d go on to sell over 100 million records and take reggae from Birmingham to the world."

He continued: "It’s been an incredible journey, and coming back to play Forest Live in such beautiful surroundings is the perfect way to celebrate with our fans."

UB40, which originated in Birmingham, was created by a group of friends from various backgrounds, who started putting an indigenous British slant on Jamaican reggae.

They have always been known for their thoughtful lyrics, which address important social issues, blended with their relaxing reggae beats. Their music has resonated with many, making reggae popular across the globe.

During the 1980s, the band reached international fame with numerous hit singles such as  "I Got You Babe" (with Chrissie Hynde) and "Kingston Town".

Their reggae versions of popular songs like Neil Diamond’s "Red Red Wine" and their original albums, such as "Signing Off" and "Labour of Love", tackled themes like unemployment and racial harmony, making their music meaningful.

After Campbell left UB40 in 2008 due to severe financial mismanagement within the band's management, he continued to share his love for reggae through solo albums.

At the time, Campbell wrote an open letter to fans on the group's website in which he said the decision to leave after nearly three decades had been "agonising".

Campbell eventually reformed a new line-up including keyboardist Mickey Virtue and vocalist Astro, creating UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey.

Until his passing in 2021, Astro was a key part of this line-up, and Campbell continues to honour that legacy in every performance.

Now, UB40 featuring Campbell continues to thrive, performing sold-out shows around the world with their positive vibes and timeless reggae classics.

With Campbell’s soulful voice leading the way, fans can expect an energetic set featuring well-loved tracks including "Cherry Oh Baby" and "Please Don’t Make Me Cry".

Tickets for the South African leg of the tour will be available through Ticketmaster from 9am on Friday, November 7.