Black Uhuru—Shack a Lack Rock, Babylon Release the Chain

This one should put to rest all the complaints from naysayers who lament that the “real“ Black Uhuru is a particular singer or set of musicians. Clearly, Black Uhuru is a concept, sound and stance. “Shack a Lack Rock“ and “Babylon Release the Chain“, were written by Junior Reid. Nobody could write Puma’s choreography. Director/playwright Stafford Ashani deserves special mention here for the powerful imagery he envisioned and shot in Jamaica to accompany this live performance. From the production, “Black Uhuru Alive“, a memorable concert held at the (original) Ritz in New York City, on June, 11 1986. Black Uhuru, in this incarnation, consisted of founder Duckie Simpson, Junior Reid and the incomparable Puma Jones. The band on this particular tour, featured Santa Davis on drums, Earl (Chinna) Smith on guitar, Chris Meredith on bass, Anthony (Asher) Brissett on keyboards and Sky Juice on percussion. Give thanks to the crew—cameramen: Jefferson Miller, Jabari and Bill Megalos, engineer: Dan Epstein, camera assistants: Stuart Sporn and Orville Bennett, sound engineer Steve Remote, lighting designer Edgar Gordon, and of course, visionary director, Stafford Ashani, may he rest in peace, my partner in Reggae Strong for many years.