Raggamuffin is this weekend

The inaugural Raggamuffin event has taken on a new level of expectation, with the weekend news that after thirty years UB40 lead singer Ali Campbell is to leave the band to focus on a solo career.

Ali’s final shows with UB40 will be for the Raggamuffin concerts in New Zealand and Australia starting this weekend, with one final date in Uganda.

The band’s statement’s read:

“Ali Campbell embarked upon a solo album project (‘Running Free’) last year and throughout the course of this album, his time and commitment to the band began to conflict with his recording work, promotional commitments and his own corporate shows. Ali Campbell has taken the decision to focus on his solo career and in doing so, could not give his full commitment to UB40.

The other band members of UB40 are naturally disappointed and saddened after being together as a band unit and as good friends for almost thirty years. A decision on replacing Campbell has not yet been made by the other seven band members. The band’s next studio album ‘24/7’ which was recorded with Ali Campbell will go ahead as planned in May.

A spokesman added: "The band are of course saddened by Ali’s departure, they have been together for a long time and their relationship as band members and friends is almost like a marriage, having lived in and out of each other’s pockets for pretty much most of their lives.

“They haven’t ruled out working together in the future but for now the other seven members will continue as UB40. However all of the band members wish Ali every success in his future solo career."


Raggamuffin, starring UB40, The Wailers, Maxi Priest, Arrested Development and Katchafire, kicks off this Saturday February 2 playing to 30,000 people at Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand.

UB40 has a huge, loyal audience in Australia and New Zealand which will guarantee that Ali’s final concerts whilst being emotional will also be a celebration of the band’s extraordinary 30-year career.