Reggae has been around for more than 60 years. Back in the distant 1960s, this musical genre first appeared in Jamaica, spread by pioneers such as Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, and Jackie Mittoo, and of course, Bob Marley & The Wailers. However, its arrival in the United Kingdom in the 1970s was decisive for the emergence of many bands, some unrelated to this genre and others strongly influenced by it.
And it was precisely from this musical expansion that, in 1978, a British band emerged that gave reggae a somewhat more "refined" personality, so to speak.
While it maintained the rhythm and the basic concepts of the genre, due to the musical influences of most of its members, it projected a cleaner image. That band is UB40.
This British group earned as many successes as disagreements, the most publicized being its split, caused by strong disputes among brothers Robin, Duncan, and Alistair Campbell. This gave rise to two UB40s, although one of the groups was called UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell. It was this faction that delivered one of the most emotional concerts Lima has experienced.
The stage, Arena 1 in Lima's San Miguel district, was ready to welcome the British artist on Thursday night.
Peruvian band Tierra Sur prepared the atmosphere seamlessly. The flawless performance of the group led by the tireless Pochi Marambio immediately drew the audience into the show. Solid work by Tierra Sur.
And like true English gentlemen, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell came on stage right at 10 p.m. (local time). The introduction could not have been better: "The legendary vocalist of UB40" —that was how Ali Campbell appeared, to the euphoria of his fans.
Smiling, walking slowly, with his guitar perfectly adapted to his left hand, Campbell greeted the audience and opened the concert with Food for Thought. The stage was set.
There was no time to waste. That first UB40 anthem was followed by 'If It Happens Again'; 'Homely Girl,' one of the crowd's favorites; 'The Way You Do the Things You Do,' a cover of The Temptations; and 'Impossible Love.'
Ali is a man of few words. Calm and measured, he moves just enough and never stops smiling. After each song, he utters a brief "thank you," audible enough to spark the audience's applause.
'It's My Delight,' 'Sweet Cherrie,' and 'Cherry Oh Baby' followed in the setlist —a band that, by the way, flawlessly meets the musical demands of the genre. 'Stick by Me,' 'Come Back Darling,' and 'Bring Me Your Cup' came next.
There is not much variation between one song and the next. The style is unique, consistent, and the band sticks to it.
Ali, sometimes with guitar and sometimes only with the microphone, gives his all. His voice sounds unaltered, as though time has left no mark on his style or his vocal cords.
'Don't Break My Heart' was up next, followed by one of the band's greatest hits: 'Groovin' (Out on Life).' The devoted crowd was rewarded with this anthem that electrified every spectator at Arena 1.
Immediately after came 'Please Don't Make Me Cry' and 'Many Rivers to Cross,' closing the first part of the concert prior to the expected encore.
Minutes later, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell returned to the stage to perform 'Flying High' and 'One in Ten.'
But it was impossible for the band to end the concert without playing its greatest hits, and so the immortal chords of 'Red Red Wine' —Neil Diamond's anthem made globally famous by the English band—rang out.
'Kingston Town' and another anthem, 'Can't Help Falling in Love,' from the King of Rock Elvis Presley, closed a night of peace, love, and nature—but above all, one of nostalgia and melancholy, as is often the case when an artist of Ali Campbell's stature offers the best of himself, the best of an era that will not return, but will always remain alive.
(END) VLA/JMP/MVB
Published: 9/12/2025