2 JUNE 2026 – GRAND ARENA, GRANDWEST, CAPE TOWN
4 JUNE 2026 – DURBAN ICC, DURBAN
6 JUNE 2026 – SUNBET ARENA, TIME SQUARE, PRETORIA
Reggae royalty, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, is heading to South Africa in 2026! With Ali’s unmistakable vocals and the band’s signature horn lines and laid-back groove, their sound continues to resonate with audiences across the world. Expect timeless hits like “Red Red Wine” and “Kingston Town,” brought to life with a live show guaranteed to have you singing every word.
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will be at Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town on 2 June 2026; Durban ICC, Durban on 4 June 2026; and SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria on 6 June 2026.
Another Big Concert Experience. In association with KFM 94.5, East Coast Radio and Hot 102.7.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in South Africa. Mastercard presale starts Wednesday, 5th November, at 09h00 and ends Friday, 7 November at 08h59 am. Plus, preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets is available from Friday, 7 November, at 09h00. Check out priceless.com/music for details.
The Big Concerts Fan Club pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Thursday, 6 November, and runs until 08h59 on Friday, 7 November. Existing Big Concerts Fan Club members are reminded to keep an eye on their inbox and www.bigconcerts.co.za for more information.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 09h00 on Friday, 7 November, from www.ticketmaster.co.za and www.bigconcerts.co.za
Ali Campbell, founder of UB40 and the authentic voice behind the band’s biggest hits, said: “When I first founded UB40 back in 1978, I put everything I had into it – including the compensation money I’d received from a criminal injury claim. None of us could have imagined we’d go on to sell over 100 million records and take reggae from Birmingham to the world. It’s been an incredible journey, and coming back to play Forest Live in such beautiful surroundings is the perfect way to celebrate with our fans.”
UB40 is a seminal reggae pop band from Birmingham, originally formed by a group of friends from diverse ethnic backgrounds. From the beginning, the band became known for its socially aware lyrics and laid-back reggae rhythms. With Campbell’s unmistakable voice leading the way, UB40 blended reggae, dub, and pop into a sound that helped bring the genre into the mainstream.
They achieved international fame in the 1980s with a string of hit singles. Their reggae covers of older pop and soul songs, including Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” (a global chart-topper in both the UK and US), “I Got You Babe” (featuring Chrissie Hynde), and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You”, became worldwide anthems. Beyond covers, original albums like Signing Off (1980) and Labour of Love (1983) cemented the band’s reputation, tackling themes of unemployment, political struggle, and racial unity.
In 2008, Ali Campbell departed from UB40 due to severe financial mismanagement within the band’s management. Soon after, he released the albums Running Free (2007) and Flying High (2009), which showcased his unmistakable vocals and love of reggae. Keyboardist Mickey Virtue joined him on this journey, and later, in 2013, vocalist Astro reunited with Ali to complete a powerful new line-up.
Together, they formed UB40 ft Ali, Astro & Mickey, carrying forward the original spirit of the group with Campbell’s authentic voice at its core. Until his passing in 2021, Astro was a key part of this line-up, and Campbell continues to honour that legacy in every performance. Fans can expect a vibrant set that celebrates this journey – from classics like “Cherry Oh Baby”, “Please Don’t Make Me Cry”, and “Kingston Town”
Now, UB40 ft Ali Campbell continues to go from strength to strength, performing sold out shows on world tours and delighting fans old and new with their timeless reggae sound. With Ali’s unmistakable vocals at the heart of the band, the legacy remains stronger than ever.
UB40 links:
Website: https://ub40.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ub40/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WeAreUB40
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UB40
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell – South African Tour Dates:
Cape Town
2 June 2026
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are exclusively available from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 09h00 on Friday, 7 November.
Durban
4 June 2026
Durban ICC, Durban
Tickets are exclusively available from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 09h00 on Friday, 7 November.
Pretoria
6 June 2026
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are exclusively available from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 09h00 on Friday, 7 November.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit www.bigconcerts.co.za
