Artist page · 04/07/2026
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
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Real Authentic Sound · 2025
Black Uhuru Official · 2018
MIG · 2016
Tabou 1 · 2001
Real Authentic Sound · 2001
Tabou 1 · 2000
Mesa · 1994
Mesa · 1994
Mesa · 1993
Mesa · 1992
Mesa · 1992
Mesa · 1990
Mesa · 1990
Rohit Records · 1988
Real Authentic Sound · 1987
Real Authentic Sound · 1987
Real Authentic Sound · 1986
Real Authentic Sound · 1986
Island Records · 1983
Mango · 1983
Island Records · 1982
Greensleeves Records · 1981
Island Records · 1981
Island Records · 1980
Taxi · 1979
Rohit Records · Playlist
The tracks that sum up Black Uhuru's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Brutal features Junior Reid on vocals after Michael Rose's departure, capturing mid-80s roots reggae with dub influences.
Red is often cited as one of Black Uhuru’s finest studio works, showcasing rich dub arrangements and classic roots reggae.
Sinsemilla blends militant roots with dub style; includes the track with Stevie Wonder on piano (‘No Loafing’).
Go further
Artists who share part of Black Uhuru's musical DNA.
Collectors
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Face B
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
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.
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.
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.
In 1985, Black Uhuru won the first Grammy Award ever given to a reggae group for their album Anthem, elevating their international profile.
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.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Black Uhuru is known primarily for roots reggae and dub music with strong rasta and militant themes.
The group was formed in 1972 in the Waterhouse area of Kingston, Jamaica.
Important vinyl albums include Brutal (1986), Red (1981), and Sinsemilla (1980), each with multiple pressings in different countries.
Original Black Uhuru pressings are notable from the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa, reflecting their international reach.
Yes, they won the first Grammy Award ever for a reggae band with their 1985 album Anthem.
Yes, albums like Positive + Positive Dub have been reissued and remastered recently on vinyl.
Live albums include Live at Rockpalast (2016 release) and Live at Soledad Prison 1982, offering sought-after concert recordings on vinyl.
Taxi Records was the first label Black Uhuru recorded for, established by producers Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare important to their dub sound.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
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