Daily Reggae Artist Profile: UB40’s iconic drummer, Jimmy Brown reflects on landmark career and creative process

Photo courtesy of UB40. Photo credit: Jeff Widener ‘Tank Man’.

Dailyreggae.com caught up with legendary UB40 drummer, Jimmy Brown to learn about his creative process, new music he’s excited about, and fun memories from over the years!

We're loving the new track "Champion" ft. Gilly G and Dapz On The Map. What was the songwriting and recording process like for this song?

Writing is a fairly open process in UB40. Ideas can come from anywhere. We all contribute to the finished product. That’s how we have always written. That’s why every band member gets equal credits, and everything is shared equally.

What has it been like working with new vocalist Matt Doyle?

Matt Doyle joining us has been a real pleasure. He’s young, enthusiastic, and super-talented. He’s also Norman’s [our percussion player and singer] nephew. We like to keep things in the family.

Congratulations on hitting a landmark 45 years as a band! In terms of how both the sound and fanbase of reggae has evolved since UB40s formation; what have you been happy to see as the genre has progressed, and is there anything you think modern reggae music might be missing from the earlier sound/scene?

Reggae may have started in Jamaica, but it’s a global phenomenon now. Even back in the late 1960’s and early 70’s they were making records specifically for the British market because it was so popular. And since then it has spread around the world. There are great reggae bands all around the world, all with a different flavour. Reggae is such inclusive music. And great reggae music is as strong today  and it ever was. I don’t subscribe to the idea that all the best music is in the past.

Head to the Daily Reggae Artist Profiles page to read the the full interview!

“Champion” by UB40 featuring Dapz On The Map and Gilly G is the Daily Reggae Song of the Day.