Artist page · 04/07/2026

Black Uhuru

WaterhouseFormed in 1972Gospel10 vinyl albums
Black Uhuru, formed in 1972 in Waterhouse, Jamaica, is a roots reggae group known for their deep dub and rasta-influenced sound. Their early work features militant themes blending gospel, jazz/blues, and reggae styles.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
10Albums on Vinyles.com
951Discogs releases
527kLast.fm listeners

About

Key albums like Brutal, Red, and Sinsemilla on vinyl - original 80s pressings command notable attention.

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, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Positive + Positive DubReal Authentic Sound · 2025
2025
Positive + Positive Dub
Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered
Studio
As The World TurnsBlack Uhuru Official · 2018
2018
As The World Turns
CD, Album
Studio
Live At Rockpalast - Essen 1981MIG · 2016
2016
Live At Rockpalast - Essen 1981
Vinyl, LP, Album
Live
Dubbin' It LiveTabou 1 · 2001
2001
Dubbin' It Live
CD, Album
Studio
DynastyReal Authentic Sound · 2001
2001
Dynasty
CD, Album
Studio
Live 84Tabou 1 · 2000
2000
Live 84
CD, Album
Studio
StronggMesa · 1994
1994
Strongg
CD, Album
Studio
Strongg DubbMesa · 1994
1994
Strongg Dubb
CD, Album
Studio
Mystical Truth DubMesa · 1993
1993
Mystical Truth Dub
CD, Album
Studio
Mystical TruthMesa · 1992
1992
Mystical Truth
CD, Album
Studio
Iron Storm DubMesa · 1992
1992
Iron Storm Dub
CD, Album
Studio
Now DubMesa · 1990
1990
Now Dub
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
NowMesa · 1990
1990
Now
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Live In New York CityRohit Records · 1988
1988
Live In New York City
Vinyl, LP, Album
Live
Positive DubReal Authentic Sound · 1987
1987
Positive Dub
CD, Album
Studio
PositiveReal Authentic Sound · 1987
1987
Positive
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
BrutalReal Authentic Sound · 1986
1986
Brutal
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Brutal DubReal Authentic Sound · 1986
1986
Brutal Dub
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
AnthemIsland Records · 1983
1983
Anthem
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The Dub FactorMango · 1983
1983
The Dub Factor
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Chill OutIsland Records · 1982
1982
Chill Out
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Black Sounds Of FreedomGreensleeves Records · 1981
1981
Black Sounds Of Freedom
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
RedIsland Records · 1981
1981
Red
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
SinsemillaIsland Records · 1980
1980
Sinsemilla
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
ShowcaseTaxi · 1979
1979
Showcase
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Love DubRohit Records ·
Love Dub
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Black Uhuru's career.

01
Sinsemilla
Sinsemilla
Sinsemilla · 1980
02
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
·
03
Sponji Reggae
Sponji Reggae
Red · 1981
04
Youth Of Eglington
Youth Of Eglington
Red · 1981
05
Happiness
Happiness
Sinsemilla · 1980
06
Utterance
Utterance
Red · 1981
07
Chill Out
·
08
Puff She Puff
Puff She Puff
Red · 1981

The essentials

The 3 Black Uhuru albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1986
Vinyl, LP, Album
Brutal

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
Discover the album
#2 · 1981
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Red

Red 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
Discover the album
#3 · 1980
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Sinsemilla

Sinsemilla blends militant roots with dub style; includes the track with Stevie Wonder on piano (‘No Loafing’).

8 tracksStereo LPReleased 1980Brazilian original pressing
Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to Black Uhuru

Artists who share part of Black Uhuru's musical DNA.

Burning Spear
Israel Vibration
Israel Vibration
The Gladiators
Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh
Dennis Brown
Dennis Brown
Gregory Isaacs
Gregory Isaacs
Culture
Culture
Steel Pulse

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Black Uhuru

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

Uhuru means "freedom" in Swahili, reflecting the band's commitment to liberation themes.
— Band Name Meaning
01Origins

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.

1972Waterhouse
02Lineup

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.

1980Jamaica
03Studio

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.

Late 1970sJamaica
04Recognition

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.

1985USA
05Transition

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.

1986-1987Jamaica

Records by Black Uhuru

See all
Eden Out Deh - 12inch Mix - Front Cover

Eden Out Deh - 12inch Mix

Black Uhuru
Gospel Jazz/Blues
Greensleeves
From $26.22 2 offers
Sinsemilla - Front Cover

Sinsemilla

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $32.21 1 offer
Black Sounds of Freedom - Front Cover

Black Sounds of Freedom

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
VP Greensleeves
From $23.79 2 offers
Love Dub - Front Cover Love Dub - Front Cover

Love Dub

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
CULTURE FACTORY
From $25.49 1 offer
Positive & Positive Dub - Front Cover Black Uhuru - Positive & Positive Dub

Positive & Positive Dub

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
Diggers Factory
From $37.79 1 offer
Red - Front Cover

Red

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $31.63 2 offers
Black Uhuru - LIVE AT SOLEDAD PRISON 1982

LIVE AT SOLEDAD PRISON 1982

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
Diggers Factory
From $27.99 1 offer
Black Uhuru - Brutal

Brutal

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
Diggers Factory
From $30.96 2 offers
BLACK SOUNDS OF FREEDOM - Front Cover

BLACK SOUNDS OF FREEDOM

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
GREENSLEEVES
From $23.79 2 offers
Black Uhuru - Taxi Trax

Taxi Trax

Black Uhuru
Dub Reggae/Ragga
Diggers Factory
From $48.01 1 offer
Live at Rockpalast - Front Cover

Live at Rockpalast

Black Uhuru
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
F
View details

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

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 page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 04/07/2026