Derrick “Duckie” Simpson is the founder and leader of the reggae formation Black Uhuru, one of the most influential reggae bands since the 1970s. The group originated in the Waterhouse district of Kingston, Jamaica, and has gone through various line-ups over the years. Originally founded with Don Carlos and Garth Dennis, the band gained wider recognition with the addition of Michael Rose and Sandra “Puma” Jones.
Black Uhuru developed a unique sound with deep basslines and strong rhythms, scoring hits like “Shine Eye Gal” and “What is Life”. In 1984, they won the first-ever Grammy Award for Reggae with their album Anthem. Despite changes in the line-up, Duckie Simpson remained the constant force in the band. Most recently, the group released the album New Day (May 2022), continuing their musical legacy.
SUPPORT ACT: ROOTS WARRIORS
Roots Warriors is a group of music lovers (mainly reggae fans) from Liège, Belgium. Centered around two veterans, Ioanis Tirekidis and Bruno Floridia, Roots Warriors have been performing across Belgium for years, building a solid reputation and an impressive live presence. They won over audiences opening for Asian Dub Foundation and more recently for Steel Pulse at the Ancienne Belgique, mixing their own repertoire with infectious covers of reggae classics. A band well worth discovering!
