By Our Reporter
NATIONAL/ENTERTAINMENT
Legendary UB40 band has poured cold water on a widely publicized concert dubbed ‘UB40 Uganda Tour’ slated for 21st December, 2023 at Kololo Independence Grounds.
In a press statement dated 23rd October 2023, the Group says they will not be performing in the upcoming concert falsely billed as ‘UB40’ or UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell.
“The official UB40 Group distances itself for the upcoming show in Uganda, taking place at Kololo Independence Grounds on December 21st, following headlines and publications promoting a ‘UB40’ concert, hailing a return for the first time since 2008,” the statement reads in part.
The concert being organized by Talent Africa Group will however, feature Ali Campbell who the group says was a former Vocalist with the Band but left 15 years ago.
“He is touring with the name “UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell..” However, there are in fact no members of UB40 in this group and ex-member Ali Campbell is misleading fans and the general public by billing the tour as UB40 and UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell,” the statement reads further.
The Group explains that out of 5 founding members of UB40, Robin Campbell, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan, have remained in UB40 and have been touring and releasing albums globally for 45 years.
“UB40 wishes to disassociate themselves from this falsehood and hopes to return to Uganda and the African continent in the near future,” the statements reads.
This disclaimer leaves the organizers of the concert at crossroads having promoted it as the ‘biggest event of the year.’
Aly Allibhai, the CEO of Talent Africa Group who are part of the organizers, had earlier said that the seven-band group will be performing at Uganda’s Kololo Airstrip on December 21 in an initiative designed to celebrate, explore, love, and inspire hope throughout Uganda.
