This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
Legendary UK reggae band UB40 is set to perform live in Kenya on February 1, 2020, at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi, but the show has already sparked controversy.
UB40 was formed by brothers Ali and Robin Campbell in 1978, but the band split in 2008 after a dispute between Ali and the management.
Ali Campbell left the band and recruited Mickey Virtue and co-frontman Astro, forming UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell and Astro.
However, the original UB40, led by Robin Campbell, continued to tour and unveiled Duncan Campbell as the lead singer.
The brothers have been engaged in a war of words and legal action since then, with both groups vying for the right to use the name UB40.
As the Nairobi show approaches, the original UB40 has taken to Twitter to warn Kenyans that they are not scheduled to perform in the country, in an apparent attempt to tarnish the image of UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell and Astro.
On January 7, 2020, the original UB40 tweeted, 'This event has nothing to do with UB40! Ali and Astro left UB40 a long time ago.... Please remove your post!'
The cheapest ticket for the show will be retailing at Sh 5000, while a VVIP ticket will cost Sh 20,000.
At the height of their fame, UB40 topped charts across the globe and sold more than 70 million records worldwide, cementing their position as Britain's biggest reggae band.
