After tickets for their first Pretoria show sold out in record time, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell has officially added a second date at SunBet Arena, Time Square, giving fans another chance to experience one of the most enduring bands in global music history live on stage.
With Ali Campbell’s unmistakable voice at the helm, and those iconic horn lines and laid-back reggae grooves filling the room, UB40’s return promises a night of pure nostalgia, unity and sing-along anthems. From Red Red Wine to Kingston Town, this is a live show built on decades of music that still resonates across generations.
From Birmingham to the World
Founded in 1978, UB40 emerged from Birmingham as a group of friends from diverse ethnic backgrounds, united by music and a shared social consciousness. Their sound — a seamless blend of reggae, dub and pop — helped bring reggae into the mainstream, while their lyrics often reflected social realities with honesty and heart.
Ali Campbell, founder of UB40 and the authentic voice behind the band’s biggest hits, reflects on the journey with humility and pride.
“When I first founded UB40 back in 1978, I put everything I had into it – including the compensation money I’d received from a criminal injury claim. None of us could have imagined we’d go on to sell over 100 million records and take reggae from Birmingham to the world. It’s been an incredible journey.”
That journey has resulted in over 100 million records sold, countless international tours, and a catalogue of songs that have become part of global pop culture.
Pretoria Shows: One Sold Out, One Just Added
The overwhelming response to UB40’s South African return led to the addition of a second Pretoria show, ensuring more fans can be part of this special experience.
The concerts form part of a Big Concerts Experience, in association with KFM 94.5 and Hot 102.7, and will take place at the iconic SunBet Arena, Time Square — a venue known for hosting world-class live performances.
Fans attending can expect a polished live set, rich in musical heritage, warmth and rhythm — the kind of show where every lyric is sung back to the stage.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 Dates & Times
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Saturday, 6 June 2026 – SOLD OUT
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Sunday, 7 June 2026 – 19h00
🎟 Tickets
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R800 per person
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Available via Ticketmaster
📍 Venue
SunBet Arena, Time Square
Menlyn Maine
Aramist Avenue 209
Menlyn, Pretoria
With a sold-out first night and a second date now confirmed, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell’s Pretoria shows are shaping up to be one of 2026’s must-see live music events. Whether you’re reliving memories or discovering these classics live for the first time, one thing is certain — when Red Red Wine starts playing, the entire arena will be singing along.
