UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell Announces South African Tour Dates
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.
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.
The Big Concerts Fan Club pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Thursday, 6 November and runs until 08h59 on Friday, 7 November. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 09h00 on Friday, 7 November 2025.
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.
Another Big Concerts Experience. In association with KFM 94.5, East Coast Radio and Hot 102.7.
Tour Information:
UB40 ft Ali Campbell
CAPE TOWN:
Venue:
Grand Arena, GrandWest
Date & Time:
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Doors open at 19h00
Ticket Prices:
From R855 – R3030 (including VAT & service fees)
Bookings:
Tickets available through Ticketmaster
T’s and C’s apply.
DURBAN:
Venue:
Durban ICC
Date & Time:
Thusday, 4 June 2026
Doors open at 19h00
Ticket Prices:
From R855 – R3030 (including VAT & service fees)
Bookings:
Tickets available through Ticketmaster
PRETORIA:
Venue:
SunBet Arena, Time Square
Date & Time:
Saturday, 6 June 2026
Doors open at 19h00
Ticket Prices:
From R800 – R3030 (including VAT & service fees)
Bookings:
Tickets available through Ticketmaster
Connect with UB40 on social media:
Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube
Connect with Big Concerts on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue, and you will not be entitled to a refund.
Age restriction: No children under the age of 3 will be allowed into the venue. All minors must have a valid ticket, adequate ear protection and must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please note: If you are purchasing standing tickets, you must be over the age of 12 and 1.2m in height. This applies to all standing ticket holders. Ticketmaster & the Event Organizer have no responsibility to reseat your tickets if you do not meet the minimum requirements and you may be asked to leave the venue. All tickets will be 100% digital, mobile only tickets, and only verified Ticketmaster accounts will be eligible to purchase up to 10 tickets per Fan.
