Today, UB40 have unveiled a preview of their forthcoming album, UB45. The ensemble shared the new single, “Champion,” which doubles as the official anthem for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, hosted by the band’s hometown of Birmingham, England, from July 28 through Aug. 28. 

“Champion” is the first UB40 single to feature the group’s new frontman, Matt Doyle (formerly of Kioko), who filled Duncan Campbell’s role after retirement. Doyle stated, “I wish the absolute best for Duncan and I hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery.”

He added, “I have loved UB40’s music for as long as I can remember. The audience has welcomed me with love and open arms and I can’t wait to hear them singing the classics back to me.” 

“Champion” maintains UB40’s traditional sound, emphasizing a unique reggae pop blend capped with catchy and empowering lyrics. In addition, the new release holds a bold, consistent rhythm that has persisted in music turned out by the band since its inception in 1978. 

Additionally, on Aug. 18, the band will kick off their Bigga Baggariddim tour, named after their 21st album, which dropped last year. The tour will begin in Knoxville, Tenn., with The Original Wailers, featuring Al Anderson, Maxi Priest and Big Mountain. Tickets for the upcoming run are on sale and can be purchased here.

Listen to “Champion” below. 

See UB40’s upcoming tour schedule below. 

Bigga Baggariddim Tour Dates: 

Aug. 18 – River Breeze Event Center – Knoxville, Tenn. 

Aug. 19 – The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater – Detroit

Aug. 20 – Rock, Reggae & Relief Festival – Pittsburgh

Aug. 21 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Newark, N.J. 

Aug. 24 – Central Park – New York

Aug. 25 – House of Blues – Boston

Aug. 27 – Entertainment & Sports Arena – Washington, D.C.

Aug. 30 – Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, Fla. 

Sept. 1 –Mizner Park Amphitheater – Boca Raton, Fla.

Sept. 2 – Stockbridge Amphitheater – Stockbridge, Ga.

Sept. 3 – The Caverns – Pelham, Tenn.

Sept. 4 – QC Sound Stage – Charlotte, N.C.

Sept. 9 – Wild Acre Live – Ft. Worth, Texas

Sept. 10 – Haute Spot Event Venue –Cedar Park, Tenn.

Sept 11 – Arena Theatre – Houston

Sept. 13 – Celebrity Theatre – Phoenix 

Sept. 15 – Mountain Winery – Saratoga, Calif.

Sept. 16 – Ironstone Amphitheatre –Murphys, Calif. 

Sept. 18 – The Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles