Black Uhuru: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Black Uhuru play "Here Comes Black Uhuru", "As The World Turns", "I See You" and "What Is Life" at the Tiny Desk.
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Dec. 2, 2019 | Abby O'Neill -- Considering the state of global politics, there's never been a better time to get reacquainted with the righteousness of Black Uhuru. The iconic reggae band, whose name means "Black Freedom" in Swahili, is still going strong after more than 40 years, and they brought their much-needed songs of solidarity to the Tiny Desk. Fittingly, the set begins with "Here Comes Black Uhuru," a telling and literal re-introduction to the group's legacy for audiences that may be unfamiliar with their extensive catalogue.
While most-known for their late-'70s and early-'80s classics - years defined by a game of musical chairs within the group as played by founding members and/or collaborators Michael Rose, Garth Dennis, Don Carlos, Sandra "Puma" Jones, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare and even Junior Reid - this incarnation of Black Uhuru, with frontman and co-lead Andrew Bees, has been touring and recording since about 1997 or so, longer than any of the configurations that precede it. As The World Turns, an album that was mired in issues around its master recordings, was finally released in 2018 - six years after it was recorded - and earned a Grammy nomination for best reggae album. Its title track is the second song of this set, followed up by "I See You," a love song led by Derrick "Duckie" Simpson, a co-founder and the only steady member of the group since its beginnings in the early '70s.
The most well-known song of the performance - "What Is Life?" - explores the hopelessness endemic to those who are economically and socially disadvantaged, and explores the complexities of the human experience - what life could be, versus what it is. Despite being written and recorded in 1984, you can probably recognize the endurance of its themes.
SET LIST
"Here Comes Black Uhuru"
"As The World Turns"
"I See You"
"What Is Life"
MUSICIANS
Derrick "Duckie" Simpson: vocals; Andrew Bees: vocals; Elsa Marie Green: vocals; Daniel "Axemon" Thomson: bass, keys; Horace "King Hopeton" Campbell: keys; Frank Stepanek: guitar; Rolando "Phanso" Wilson: drums
CREDITS
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, Patrick Boyd; Videographers: Jack Corbett, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Morgan Noelle Smith; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR

[@crieverytim]

man why didnt this get the same amount of love as other TD concerts??? Black Uhuru is awesome. was pleased to see they got their own desk

[@itsvladzino3246]

Because the original Black Uhuru consists of Sly & Robbie, and Michael Rose. No disrespect to the band playing here, doing a great job.

[@Cookingwithstangers]

So true…this isn’t the Black Uhuru we know and love. No Mylak Rose. I they only sang one of the hits

[@NOLA.licioussss]

This mfs don’t listen to or know real music and reggae Im happy I grew up listening to it by my dad

[@NOLA.licioussss]

@@Cookingwithstangersso true what happened to da originals I know da girl died

[@SandDabs]

@@itsvladzino3246 Mykal Rose replaced Don Carlos, who was one of Black Uhuru's original founders. 🙂

[@Nasriyn9]

One of my favorite Reggae groups! RIP Sista Puma❤️

[@lexluther6630]

Can you please enlighten me to some reggae at black uhuru’s caliber I can’t find any

[@raspect6879]

@@lexluther6630 I love steel pulse

[@mosethegreat7415]

My favorite reggae band

[@renatovilca6250]

@@lexluther6630 third world,steel pulse,inner circle,israel vibration just to name a few

[@michaelgrant5312]

Black Uhuru still holding their own, but Michael rose is missed, rip puma

[@katebrox]

Missing Michael and Puma

[@joelashadali]

Im 59yo me and my close friends were huge fans early- mid 80s. Miss the ogs like everyone else but appreciate Duckie still making music.

[@S735334]

Saw Black Uhuru many times in the early 80's... Glastonbury Festival, Wembley Stadium with the Rolling Stones.... This ain't the same band..but they're keeping the unique spirit of Black Uhuru alive... Respect !!

[@deancarsononmusic2792]

IT cannot be the same without Robbie and Sly but its still strong. Wishing them ALL the best.

[@vaughangiose8352]

I think Ducky Simpson was always there and Andrew Beez was there before.

[@karimyoussef2014]

I respect people having different taste in music but how on earth can 48 people be disliking this beautiful act

[@oluttaperkele1128]

Probobly because its Duckie Simpson n friends!! Not Black Uhuru

[@ArlynSigeti]

@@oluttaperkele1128, Andrew Bees and Frank Stepanek, the guitarist, have been with Duckie for many years. They are Black Uhuru.

[@JeffGrimes-bo4cc]

Yes I miss my Queen PUMA RIP lady

[@katebrox]

Sandra Puma Jones was the best

[@poemello9291]

THIS ☝️ MAJOR TINY DESK THANK YOU BLACK UHURU ❤️🖤💛 🇯🇲 🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@ray831ray]

First reggae album I ever bought was Black Uhuru back around 1995 ordered it from those music catalogs everyone would get in mail my mom sent check and it took weeks to arrive. Loved it big fan since then.

[@Projacked1]

I just realized, Tiny Desk is like listening to a better version of your vinyl. Sooo sweet.

[@nufferville]

Missing Mykal Rose,Puma Jones and Duckie Simpson, (still member thou) with Sly and Robbie,those were the days,big up di new guys same way,blessed!

[@taadow]

Maybe Sly n Robbie will perform on Tiny Desk with Grace Jones.......

[@nufferville]

@@taadow Would be sweet Iayah.. More love and nuff respec!

[@gsmarin1]

We saw that line up at the DNA in San Francisco with Judy Mowatt on vocals, transformative show indeed...

[@nufferville]

@@gsmarin1 Sweet! Bless up

[@tatu8663]

Don't forget Don Carlos.

[@pianistNorganist]

Well this is a greatly unexpected treat. Like walking into a house smelling your favorite food

[@adriennewoodfork9087]

Innerpapaya22 Yes indeed!🔥🔥🔥✊🏾✊🏾

[@luifranco1457]

Your comment is at the top and when I read it, I went "Oooh, they did 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner'!!" But nope, they didn't. :( Still dope, although as great as the NPR audio engineers are, I feel they could have mixed the drums a little louder on this performance.

[@musicstation3135]

@@luifranco1457 Lol was just about to say "Guess who's coming to dinner"

[@lydiawoodard9902]

Ducky Simpson OG... Return of Black Uhuru...Thank U

[@kierank2505]

Jah bless! My childhood! Didn’t expect to see Black Uhuru on Tiny Desk ✨🇯🇲

[@mr1597]

Whapen star! There is definitely a party in session at Tiny Desk! One of the necessary bands of any era!

[@vellabella1]

They performed "what is life" better than I remembered via cassette and cd ! Aging myself. I am almost 40 yrs old and remember listening to a reggae radio channel late on Sundays night. They are true artist!

[@eliotness5140]

Not the same singer....

[@FreeformThoughts804]

One of my fav groups...I love how NPR gives these artist this type of platform to display their art!

[@BlackSheepAmsterdam1]

Amazing. Love the guitarist- so high he forgot his pick on the neck . "never seen before" BIG Up

[@ArlynSigeti]

That guitarist has been with Black Uhuru for more than 30 years. He is one of the best!

[@idratherstayanonimous7020]

I do that all the time, it could be that he was high, or he´s using the pick to mute the open strings, which is likely as he uses that muted sound for the lines he plays.

[@MALCOLMxDAILY]

The Electric Guitar guy🔥🔥🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@jeremychamplin1078]

This band has produced some truly great singers. Michael Rose and Junior Reid are among my favorites.

[@spongo]

Don Carlos is no slouch

[@mykalbelle8397]

Black Uhuru didn't 'produced' Junior Reid. Reid was (already) an established solo artist when he joined the group to replace Rose. He was the perfect choice! But unfortunately, things didn't work out.

[@eliotness5140]

@@mykalbelle8397 Mikal Rose was etablished too before Black Uhuru...

[@SoulGoodFamily]

@@mykalbelle8397who was in the true original BH??

[@UKLeonie]

According to my parents 1st concert they ever took me to was to see this band,my mum still has the ticket👏👏👏👏

[@itayizinzombe947]

Duckie Simpson still doing after so long! RIP puma Jones.

[@marieblanc482]

Thank you Black Uhru for your continued posture of righteous excellence.

[@giannitamon5933]

Sunshine at the tiny desk!!! Jah bless!!🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥

[@manickamhellmuth5750]

There must be multiple Black Uhuru bands right now. I went to go see them last week in San Diego. It was this group. They were great when they played Black Uhuru's originals. Can't say the same for their new stuff- the place started emptying out as soon as they played their newer stuff. I realzied there's another version with mykal rose the original lead on vocals I beleive. Seems like a bit of a dissapointment that rhey aren't up front with this. Now I have to track down that group and compare. Wish they'd all get back together!

[@LouIsWahid]

Lava Splash! Let’s get The Congos in the building. True reggae LIVING Legends

[@terricclark8318]

YES Cedric Myton & The Congos, Inna De Yard

[@JEtienneMusic]

Bob Boilen and the staff, you guys are amazing for getting one of my favorite groups of all time on!

[@JeffGrimes-bo4cc]

1 great group im my book do your thing my brother's great live show band wow

[@sinexwave4720]

me and my brother watched this i thought the guitaruist is rockin with good engey but my brother said he was proberly a session gutairist who ever he is the solos are really well done sod my brother

[@psst...heyyou6508]

Frank Stepanek has been playing with black uhuru since 1986..

[@benjaminesqueda2100]

Respect for Derrick "Duckie" Simpson and the other members of such an important reggae band, though the spirit and escense are nearly gone...

[@ricardoleon6142]

Best kind of Jahmming. More jamaican music from npr please.

[@dariousmarshall2838]

Love how y’all demonstrate all genres of music on the Tiny Desk it’s amazing💯.

[@Countachockula]

I love the Jackson Randy Rhoads being used in a non metal context. Too cool

[@PONO-go3ee]

Andrew Beez, & Derrick Duckie Simpson Carrying the Torch , Live UP Black Uhuru ,

[@mexicanachulax3]

Saw them live once! Would see them again and again

[@dynamikedynamo]

The original Black Uhuru was the best.

[@mykalbelle8397]

Amen!

[@katebrox]

Yes

[@blackcosmos]

TD u guys never disappoints. I remember growing up in Jamaica back in the 80s 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' was a smash hit. I wish they included it as part of this performance

[@ciar67]

And S London mate

[@katebrox]

Impossible without Michael and Puma

[@djbministry]

THESE DUDES ARE HARD....!!! I DONT EVEN LIKE REGGAE...BUT THEY SO MANY ELEMENTS AND MUSIC STYLES.. And I know what they are saying...!!

[@sinexwave4720]

nice man im 43 i would never use a word like hard but i understand what your comment means ,, have a good day

[@floydphulane6668]

I've never heard of these guys... But definitely a fan now😌. I really wish I had a Jamaican accent😫👌

[@Wanderer25]

You're missing out. Legends in the roots reggae/dub reggae scene.

[@Zaagvis]

Funny is that this isnt the real band haha.. all members have been replaced it seems o.O

[@mykalbelle8397]

It's great that you have found this (version of the group) to be of interest to you. But it you have not known the original group, you have missed the BEST years of reggae!

[@floydphulane6668]

@@mykalbelle8397 I don't think I was born yet when Reggae had it's best years hey😅but I'll still vibe to this though. It's fresh

[@mykalbelle8397]

@@floydphulane6668 I grow up in Kingston (Jamaica)...in those days I used to go around the studios where I see great musicians. The ORIGINAL Black Uhuru was one of those groups that was poised to fill the gap (left at Bob Marley passing). But unfortunately, right at about that SAME time (after winning reggae's FIRST grammy award) the group fell apart. (The original) Black Uhuru was my favorite reggae group... even more than Bob Marley and the Wailers. But unfortunately, they broke my heart. Blessings from 🇯🇲!

[@flyeagles6216]

GREAT GREAT BLACK UHURU SIN SEMILLIA JAH PEOPLE DESDE ARGENTINA !!!

[@s3cret77]

Thank you NPR more reggae acts please 🙏🏿 🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@marfigue777]

Wow this was my favorite reggae group after the wailers back in the early 90s

[@dynamikedynamo]

Yes but this is not the original Uhuru... Fake Huru

[@dynamikedynamo]

Not the same fake

[@maitefaangaza2409]

Saw them at Sony Hall in Manhattan a few months ago. Fabulous and fun show -- and they played a whole of music! :)

[@rudycampos7565]

Nobody but Mykal Rose for me!

[@katebrox]

Michael and Puma was the true Black Uhuru

[@JeffGrimes-bo4cc]

Love me some Puma and this great band and the singers

[@kaelynn_listening]

guess who’s coming to dinna

[@blackcosmos]

I sure wish they performed it!

[@December_baby04]

NATTY DREADLOCKS

[@robbiemize]

Them natties

[@raptorspostgametalk]

Me

[@jackieclarke6781]

I loved that!!

[@elcrunco]

¡Qué joyita! ♥

[@amanichaula1]

Much love Black Uhuru Jah Jah Blessing

[@sanctionhousestudio6690]

very nice as they are not trying to be like previous black uhuru love this outfit to the max up up

[@PauloEduardoLobao]

the best !!! tks NPR hugs from brazil!!!

[@HappyFarmsLa]

Love them. I miss "summer's really gone" great jam in the 90's They still got it!

[@antenoralandir]

Contagiante, sensacional, delirante exuberante como o reggae!

[@luccianoaccinelli5375]

Best tiny desk presentation so far

[@nhya32]

How on earth did this slip pass me! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Rip Puma/ Robbie Shakespeare and Garth Dennis !!!

[@Karch.Dah-Veed]

Sound amazing! Hope they are touring soon to my area. LOVE Black Uhuru.

[@husainz23]

Black Uhuru is my favorite reggae band, and as much as I love Tiny Desk I am a little disappointed this time. Without Puma (RIP), Michael, and Sly and Robbie this is nothing like Black Uhuru. Much respect for Duckie and the band but I think they should go by a different name!

[@s3hooligan]

Zee Husain concur. That was Black Uhuru in name & spirit only

[@petersaturday]

Amazing! I love the old lineups but this one's great, actually Andrew Bees has been on vocals since the late 90s, so this is indeed legit Black Uhuru!!

[@artscraftslady1876]

Such a pleasant surprise to see NPR having one of my favorite reggae bands. I’m definitely appreciating the inclusion 🇯🇲❤

[@jansendimas]

Positive Vibes from Brazil!

[@billkotas9049]

Totally fantastic and transcendental beyond the commonly held of reality of existence itself

[@williamsheltonsr]

I saw these brothas and sistas at the Zoo up north and they rocked the house!

[@s.o6435]

Legendary... From 🇰🇪💯❤️

[@1984Janja]

é bom caminhar junto com monstros do reggae nessa terra!!!!! It's good to walk among reggae giants on planet earth!! Es muy bueno caminar entre gigantes del reggae en el planeta tierra!

[@JeffGrimes-bo4cc]

Tiny desk alway has great group s the sound great wow

[@rodgersphiri3076]

I and I still following the black uhulu even though some old soldiers are longer with the band still I enjoy there music Mr mykal rose pliz to reason with Mr duckie Simpson u no u are killing me side of a Jah given planet I like u mykal so pliz bear with me down here southern side of Africa particularly lusaka Zambia I and I roots rock rodgers rastafari ever living ever faithful

[@rogerlucky2222]

Louisankakum isaosirisreggaepiss aset horhus❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.

[@jvkzhou]

I hope to see Mykal Rose on the Tiny Desk next. Maybe some Koffee, too!

[@earltdynamite4348]

Joel Van Kuiken Koffee shown 02/03/20

[@jvkzhou]

@@earltdynamite4348 I caught it, man! Pleased to see it. Thank you!

[@chelswels1570]

Glad I found out about this group and that it is Reggae Month! That guitarist is wicked! 🔥🔥🔥

[@waynefoote3781]

Authentic and true! .........Yess MONN Incredible historical right here yunno' Bwoyy!

[@wendywren19]

Raising vibes to the Highest🖤♥️💚🔥 thank you, thank you!!! Blessings 🙏❣️

[@christopherharper9818]

Vibes are right! Thank you Tiny Desk for Roots, Rock, Reggae✊🏾🔥

[@junglisteaszzout2346]

Uhuru 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯

[@AngryBeaver60]

I've heard of this band, but never heard their music before. I kick myself for not listening to them years ago.

[@karensmall5616]

Sweet Sweet Reggae Music!!!

[@lucidlilly4246]

how could you dislike this?

[@joelashadali]

Duckie is the only original member. Micheal left 84 and Puma passed. Ive seen mostly all lineups they are still entertaining. Ironically Micheal Rose id Playing Atlantic City today. 7/13.

[@GregThorneKTM500NB]

This is so far out. Does the guitar player know he left a pick in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings on the 2nd fret? Possibly for effect? It's working! Nice jammin mon!

[@shrubhater]

Wow! Very impressive! That guitarist gives this music a new life. What is his name? Outstanding work!

[@babyloans]

shrubhater Frank Stepanek on guitar has been playing since the Brutal days

[@shrubhater]

Carlos Babilonia Thank you sir for the info. He sure is awesome...adds the perfect spice to this style of music. Very creative. And the sound of those horns is killer too!

[@shrubhater]

theinterruptor lol...blah. Hate? What hate? I love this band!

[@SIONARAFLORIDA]

​@@theinterruptorsomeone needs a safe space 😂

[@lewisgilfillan9237]

Now NPR done came through with this. But need the original members, mykal rose, junior Reid, don Carlos. Rip puma

[@Hispanictexaswoman]

Looked up Black Uhuru expecting to come across a few albums. This is great.

[@ph1ogic]

bring more reggae !! JAH!! BLESS UP NPR

[@nzgkilla]

This needs more views!! awesome music thanks npr music❤️

[@qweshun1223]

Black Uhuru took a hit when Mikal Rose left. His voice was special. Then they got Junior Reid and he was also special sounding similar to Rose but having his own unique sound. After those two great vocalist it's difficult to match that energy, quality and uniqueness. Here they still sound good but its not the same. Solidary, guess who coming to Dinner, sensimlla talk about timeless tracks. Also Puma Jones who gave them that over the top harmony. Still good music though, cause its JAH music but you can hear the difference.

[@CameronCustoms]

It’s pretty cool to see duckie sing lead!

[@sugerlipsxjamiewright4170]

To me music is a beautiful gift for which we should give thanks much appreciated Ever Up!😁🎶🎶☝️ enjoy the little things!!🎶

[@IanJAGreen]

I have been waiting for this since the series started.

[@BORNFREE876]

🇯🇲 Big surprise......this group now exist only in name. The essence, the appearance, even the original songs so diluted it's almost teardropping. This is an example of what can happen when a backup singer(Ducky Simpson) is the. leader of the group. Had it been the lead vocalist being the leader, the group would've maintain more prominent ingredients of the original.

[@yoonkim2725]

please get French Kiwi Juice on tiny desk. he's a multi-instrument player and truly unique

[@nataliespence1]

I would clear 5 hours of my day for a NPR set of his.

[@reggiefurlow1]

God level mic's! They sound great

[@mattagnew206]

Seriously, is there a Grammy for best audio engineering of a weekly live music internet show? Holy cow, these sound good.

[@reggiefurlow1]

@@mattagnew206 most definitely props

[@GreenLaChiefah]

It would be dope if y’all got Buju Banton next???

[@abraham3901]

Awesome! Took daughter to see them in Pensacola, 2018. Thank you NPR for putting these together.

[@Goran27595]

Is this man on a solo guitar, a man who has played with BU live Hey Joe..? The shape of a guitar remands me on him... Any one know?

[@SDSBBQs]

*Waves my Lighter*

[@Ricochetmex]

Much love to all the people at tnpr for doing these concerts possible

[@gudrn]

Great session, NPR. Good old Reggae

[@smittyboo2607]

Black uhuru still sounds good 👍🇯🇲

[@jpwjr1199]

This is making me smile so wide!! Fantastic seeing this group again - they're the real deal!!!

[@geoffreyharold]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUCKIE!

[@AndreasA91]

did he just play the whole first song with the pick hanging on the first fret?

[@JB3reacts]

NPR this is exactly what we need on this Friday! Bless up!