Kigali’s reggae fans are gearing up for a memorable night as legendary British band UB40 headlines their The Big Love tour at BK Arena on June 9. The Kigali concert is part of the band’s global tour promoting their latest album, The Big Love. The project features tracks such as “That Look in Your Eye,” “Let Your Yeah Be Yeah,” and “Somethin’ Stupid,” continuing the band’s signature blend of reggae rhythms and pop melodies. You won’t be able to help falling in love with this one. UB40 featuring Ali Campbell live in Rwanda for the first time ever. June 9th, 2026. BK Arena. Reggae history lands in Kigali.#UB40LiveInKigali #BigLoveTour #BKArenaNIYawe #BKArenaIsYours pic.twitter.com/1kHvWo0189 — BK Arena (@bkarenarw) February 27, 2026 Traveling with the group is founding member and iconic frontman Ali Campbell, whose unmistakable voice has defined UB40’s sound for decades. Campbell co-founded the band in 1978, departed in 2008, and reunited with the group in 2014, much to the delight of longtime fans. ALSO READ: Why Rwandan music is attracting global artistes UB40 rose to global fame with timeless hits including “Food for Thought,” “Red Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and “I Got You Babe.” Many of these tracks topped charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States, cementing their reputation as one of the most successful reggae groups in history. Over the years, the band has sold more than 70 million records worldwide. The name “UB40” itself has a distinctive origin — it refers to a UK government unemployment benefits form that was in circulation when the band was formed. The members, friends from different schools in Birmingham, shared a passion for music that speaks to social realities and everyday life. Before arriving in Kigali, UB40 have been touring extensively, with performances in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Samoa. They are also set to headline the Grenada Reggae Fest in the United States, with additional shows lined up in cities such as New York, Cincinnati, and San Francisco. In early June, the band will perform in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria, South Africa. After their Kigali show, the reggae legends will continue their tour across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with concerts planned in major cities including London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
