UB40 have released new single Champion as part of their ‘UB45’ celebrations.
The track, which serves as the official anthem of the Commonwealth Games 2022, features guest vocals from Dapz on the Map and Gilly G.
Robin Campbell says: “We are proud to be representing the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with the official anthem Champion. Birmingham represents the best of global Britain and it is our job to showcase this to the world.
The song is about celebrating the cultural diversity of Birmingham. Birmingham is a city of champions!”
Matt Doyle adds: “Champion is all about positivity. It’s about being uplifted and putting that energy into whatever gets you up in the morning- whether it be music, art or sport or whatever it is.
“It’s about doing what you do best and excelling at that, celebrating being a champion.”
The song also features on ‘On Record’, the new multi-artist album commissioned and produced by the Birmingham Music Archive as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
It features eleven original songs exclusively written and recorded by new and established city music talent.
In addition to the new music, the group will hit the road for a UK and Ireland tour later this year as they continue to celebrate their 45th anniversary.
Tickets are on sale now.
The full list of tour dates is as follows:
December 2022
02 – Rock City, Nottingham
05 – UEA, Norwich
06 – Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent
07 – Eventim Olympia, Liverpool
09 – Ulster, Hall Belfast
10 – Royal Theatre, Castlebar
18 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
20 – First Direct Arena, Leeds
21 – OVO Arena Wembley, London