While many legacy acts treat a tour as a simple exercise in nostalgia, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell proved that their catalogue still holds immense emotional currency. Their showcase at SunBet Arena was a definitive display of their laid-back, infectious style, anchored by the kind of rhythmic mastery that can only be honed over four decades on the road.
Stepping up after a lively, groove-heavy opening set by Mzansi’s own Tidal Waves, the headliners launched straight into One in Ten, instantly establishing a political yet highly danceable atmosphere. Ali Campbell’s unmistakable, smooth-yet-gritty tenor sounded remarkably preserved, immediately locking the arena into a collective sway. The transitions were seamless as the heavy bassline and bright horns kicked the energy into overdrive, making for an incredibly assured opening.
Cherry Oh Baby shifted the venue’s frequency into pure sunshine. In a live arena setting, the syncopated offbeats carry an organic resonance. This momentum carried right through to If It Happens Again, which stood out as a masterclass in UK reggae, blending punchy brass accents with an irresistible beat that marked a major early highlight.
The mood softened into easy romance during Homely Girl, delivered with a breezy, effortless swing. This set the stage for a massive collective moment with The Way You Do the Things You Do. The Pretoria crowd didn’t need any prompting, their voices echoing from the very first verse. It is an anthem tailor-made for arenas and the collective joy in the room was palpable.
Would I Lie to You? maintained the high spirits with its sharp, modern arrangement, leading into the soulful depths of Impossible Love. This middle segment allowed the band to really flex their deeper repertoire. Bring Me Your Cup was played with a beautiful, stripped-back vulnerability, while Stick by Me quickly injected a dose of danceable energy back into the crowd. Come Back Darling anchored this section perfectly – relaxed, steady and treated with deep artistic respect.
Soon after, the infectious bounce of Groovin’ sent the energy levels through the roof. The response from the floor was instantaneous. Spotlighting the horn section during this number emphasised just how vital their live brass-work is to UB40’s sonic DNA. Their delivery was flawlessly synchronised and punchy, turning the track into a full-scale carnival.
A poignant pause arrived with their beautiful rendition of Many Rivers to Cross. It stands as one of their most emotionally demanding covers, but Campbell’s careful vocal control kept the performance intimate. The celebratory spirit was quickly restored by Here I Am (Come and Take Me), propelled by a thunderous low-end and a tight groove.
Tucking into their most iconic material, a wave of excitement washed over the arena, the crowd now perfectly primed and eager for the final stretch.
They brought the performance to a climax with Red Red Wine, which carried all the nostalgic gravity the audience had been waiting for. It was an unpretentious, flawless rendition. A perfect exclamation point to finish the set.
Returning for the encore, the unmistakable intro of Kingston Town instantly brought us back to our feet washed in sweet island rhythms.
The final curtain fell after a soaring performance of Can’t Help Falling in Love. It served as a reminder that UB40 is a world-class band with a profound understanding of classic roots reggae.
Spilling out into the Pretoria night, it was easy to see why they still command massive global audiences. They perform with a rare combination of technical precision and pure heart.
Ultimately, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell gave the audience precisely what they came for: a joyous tribute to a legacy that continues to stand the test of time.