Black Uhuru – Black Uhuru

Black Uhuru – Black Uhuru

Black Uhuru is a landmark collection from one of Jamaica’s most influential roots reggae groups, featuring the classic line-up of Michael Rose, Derrick “Duckie” Simpson and Sandra “Puma” Jones, backed by the heavyweight rhythm section of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. The seven-track set originated with Showcase, first issued on Taxi Records in 1979, before being reissued under the Black Uhuru title in 1980. Later editions appeared as Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner.

The recordings come from a crucial period in Black Uhuru’s development, when the group were establishing the dark, militant and deeply rhythmic sound that would make them one of the leading names in Jamaican roots reggae. Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare provide the characteristic heavy bass-and-drum foundation, while Rose, Simpson and Jones create the distinctive three-part vocal sound that became central to the group’s identity.

Among the highlights is “Shine Eye Gal”, which features a guest guitar contribution from Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. “Leaving To Zion” and “General Penitentiary” demonstrate the group's strong Rastafarian and socially conscious lyrical approach, while the title track “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” and “Natural Reggae Beat” showcase the hypnotic, bass-heavy production associated with the Taxi camp.

The original Showcase concept was particularly notable, with songs presented alongside their dub counterparts, reflecting the close relationship between roots reggae songwriting, studio production and dub experimentation in late-1970s Jamaica. The recordings were subsequently issued in several configurations and with differing mixes and running times, making these early Black Uhuru releases particularly interesting to reggae collectors.

A significant release from the group's formative period, this seven-track Black Uhuru LP is essential listening for collectors of roots reggae, dub, Sly & Robbie, Jamaican music and classic Taxi Records productions, with recordings originating from the 1979 era.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Shine Eye Gal – 5:50
2. Leaving To Zion – 4:47
3. General Penitentiary – 4:50
4. Guess Who's Coming To Dinner – 5:47

Side B

1. Abortion – 6:05
2. Natural Reggae Beat – 7:34
3. Plastic Smile – 7:07