Artist profile · 04/07/2026
Black Uhuru
- 10
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 527k
- Last.fm listeners
- 6M
- Last.fm plays
About
Black Uhuru, From Waterhouse, Jamaica: Pioneers of Roots Reggae and Dub.
Black Uhuru emerged from Jamaica’s roots reggae scene in the early 70s, initially named Uhuru. The group’s lineup evolved before settling with lead vocals by Michael Rose and harmonies from Sandra "Puma" Jones alongside Duckie Simpson. The band was among the first to record for the Taxi label created by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, famed session musicians and producers who shaped their sound. Their signature mix of roots reggae and dub gained wide recognition through albums such as Black Sounds Of Freedom, Sinsemilla, and Red.
Notable for combining militant, socially conscious lyrics with lush vocal harmonies, Black Uhuru reached an international audience throughout the 80s, earning a Grammy Award for their 1985 album Anthem.
Discography
Black Uhuru discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Chill Out
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD 3
- Cassette 1
Tear It Up - Live
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Anthem
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 2
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
The Dub Factor
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Positive
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Positive Dub
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Live in New York City
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Now
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Iron Storm
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Mystical Truth
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Strongg
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Unification
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live 84
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Dynasty
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live at Rockpalast - Essen 1981
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
As the World Turns
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette
New Day
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live At Soledad Prison 1982
Black Uhuru
- Vinyl 1
- CD
- Cassette
From$27.99
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Listen
Signature songs
- 01
SinsemillaSinsemilla · 1980 - 02Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
- 03
Sponji ReggaeRed · 1981 - 04Youth Of EglingtonRed · 1981
- 05HappinessSinsemilla · 1980
- 06UtteranceRed · 1981
- 07Chill Out
- 08Puff She PuffRed · 1981
Essentials
3 Black Uhuru albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
- #1 · 1986
Brutal features Junior Reid on vocals after Michael Rose's departure, capturing mid-80s roots reggae with dub influences.
10 tracksReleased 1986Label: Real Authentic SoundCanadian original pressing available 
#2 · 1981Red is often cited as one of Black Uhuru’s finest studio works, showcasing rich dub arrangements and classic roots reggae.
8 tracksStereo LPReleased 1981Pressings in US and UK
#3 · 1980Sinsemilla blends militant roots with dub style; includes the track with Stevie Wonder on piano (‘No Loafing’).
8 tracksStereo LPReleased 1980Brazilian original pressing
Go further
Artists similar to Black Uhuru
Artists who share part of Black Uhuru's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Black Uhuru
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Formation in Waterhouse, Jamaica
Black Uhuru formed in 1972 in the Waterhouse area of Kingston, Jamaica, initially under the name Uhuru, marking the start of their influential reggae journey.
Michael Rose and Puma Jones join
The classic lineup featured Michael Rose and American vocalist Sandra "Puma" Jones, who joined to provide harmonies and helped define their signature roots reggae sound in 1980.
Early Taxi Records association
Black Uhuru were the first to record for Taxi Records, a label created by the legendary duo Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, influential for their production and rhythm contributions.
Uhuru means "freedom" in Swahili, reflecting the band's commitment to liberation themes.— Band Name Meaning
Grammy Award for Anthem
In 1985, Black Uhuru won the first Grammy Award ever given to a reggae group for their album Anthem, elevating their international profile.
Lineup changes and Junior Reid era
After Michael Rose's departure, Junior Reid took lead vocals, featured on the Brutal (1986) and Positive (1987) albums before the group's initial disbandment.
Black Uhuru vinyl discography
See allSinsemilla Édition Limitée Exclusivité Fnac Vinyle Rouge Transparent
Black Uhuru
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2026-07-01Island RecordsRed Édition Limitée Exclusivité Fnac Vinyle Rouge
Black Uhuru
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2026-07-01Island RecordsFrom$52.22
1 offerBlack Sounds of Freedom
Black Uhuru
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2025-08-08VP GreensleevesFrom$23.79
2 offersPositive & Positive Dub
Black Uhuru
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2025-01-10Diggers FactoryFrom$37.79
1 offerLIVE AT SOLEDAD PRISON 1982
Black Uhuru
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2024-05-24Diggers FactoryFrom$27.99
1 offerBLACK SOUNDS OF FREEDOM
Black Uhuru
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2023-06-09GREENSLEEVESFrom$23.79
2 offers
Black Uhuru CDs
See allPositive & Positive Dub
Black Uhuru
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2025-01-10Diggers FactoryFrom$15.02
1 offer
Recommended accessories
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$21.99
View on Amazon
FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
What genre is Black Uhuru known for?
Black Uhuru is known primarily for roots reggae and dub music with strong rasta and militant themes.
When was Black Uhuru formed and where?
The group was formed in 1972 in the Waterhouse area of Kingston, Jamaica.
Which albums by Black Uhuru are essential for vinyl collectors?
Important vinyl albums include Brutal (1986), Red (1981), and Sinsemilla (1980), each with multiple pressings in different countries.
What are the best original pressing countries for Black Uhuru vinyl?
Original Black Uhuru pressings are notable from the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa, reflecting their international reach.
Did Black Uhuru win any major awards?
Yes, they won the first Grammy Award ever for a reggae band with their 1985 album Anthem.
Are there reissues or remastered editions available on vinyl?
Yes, albums like Positive + Positive Dub have been reissued and remastered recently on vinyl.
Where can I find live Black Uhuru recordings on vinyl?
Live albums include Live at Rockpalast (2016 release) and Live at Soledad Prison 1982, offering sought-after concert recordings on vinyl.
What is the significance of the label Taxi Records with Black Uhuru?
Taxi Records was the first label Black Uhuru recorded for, established by producers Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare important to their dub sound.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.