UB40 releases ‘Champion’

Single is first from UB45

UB40 releases “Champion,” the first single from their upcoming 2023 album titled UB45, a celebration of the band’s 45 years with new and reworked music. Featuring two of Birmingham’s most respected emcees, Gilly G and Dapz on the Map alongside new frontman Matt Doyle, “Champion” is also the official anthem of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, hosted by UB40’s diverse hometown of Birmingham, England from July 29th through August 28th.

On August 18th, the Bigga Baggariddim Tour will kick off in Knoxville, TN with The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, Maxi Priest and Big Mountain.

“Champion” is the first UB40 single to feature new frontman Matt Doyle (formerly of Kioko), who is holding the torch for Duncan Campbell after his retirement following a stroke.

“I wish the absolute best for Duncan and I hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery,” says Doyle. “I have loved UB40’s music for as long as I can remember. The audience has welcomed me with love and open arms and I can’t wait to hear them singing the classics back to me.”

Formed in 1978, UB40 transcended their working-class origins in Birmingham to become the one of the world’s most successful reggae bands. Named after an unemployment benefit form, the group aligned themselves to left-wing political ideals and forged their own identity. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and are regarded as one of the tightest dub units. With founding members Robin Campbell on guitar and vocals, drummer Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer on bass and vocals, percussionist and vocalist Norman Hassan (life long friend and founder member saxophonist Brian Travers sadly died in 2021), alongside lead vocalist Matt Doyle, keyboardist Tony Mullings and longtime veteran horn section Laurence Parry, Martin Meredith and Ian Thompson.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com