The reggae band Black Uhuru was formed by Derrick 'Duckie' Simpson in the 1970's. The band whose name Uhuru is Swahili for freedom was the first group to win a Grammy when the reggae category was introduced in 1985 for the single "What is Life' on the "Anthem'" album.

Over the years the group went through many changes; the first group members were Garth Dennis, Don Carlos and Derrick 'Duckie' Simpson. Then Carlos left and was replaced by Michael Rose, then Dennis left and was replaced by Errol Nelson. During this period the band released its most famous album "Love Crisis" later re-released as "Black Sounds of Freedom". Sandra 'Puma' Jones joined the group in 1979 and with this new line-up; Rose, Simpson and Jones, along with Sly & Robbie as producers and drum and bass players, they release "Sinsemilla", "Red", "Chill Out" and the Grammy winning "Anthem", which were there most popular album.

Black Uhuru became one of the most popular reggae groups in the world touring with super stars such as the Police, the Rolling Stones and the Clash.