It’s on! UB40 legend Ali Campbell touches down in Nadi for Big Love Tour

Reggae royalty has arrived, and the countdown is officially over.

UB40 legend Ali Campbell touched down in Nadi yesterday, declaring his excitement ahead of the band’s highly anticipated Big Love Tour concert set to light up King Charles Park tonight.

“Tonga was great — let’s see Fiji,” Mr Campbell said on arrival at Nadi International Airport, drawing smiles from fans and airport staff eager to welcome the iconic frontman back to Fiji.

Mr Campbell said UB40 shares a deep musical connection with the Pacific and an enduring love for reggae music, a bond he hopes to celebrate with local fans.

The moment took on added nostalgia when Rosie Holidays staff member Eroni Bole presented Mr Campbell with a photograph taken during UB40’s Who You Are Fighting For tour in 2006.

“Mr Campbell, do you remember this? I still have this photograph of ours,” Mr Bole said.

“This is a great memory. I will cherish this one. I hope the fans have one too,” Mr Campbell replied.

He said he was eager to perform the band’s timeless chart-topping hits, including Red Red Wine — which reached No.1 in both the United States and the United Kingdom — along with Can’t Help Falling in Love, I Got You Babe and Kingston Town.

With more than 71 million records sold worldwide, UB40 remains one of the most successful and influential reggae acts of all time, and tonight’s show is expected to draw fans from across the country.

Joining UB40 on stage will be Kiwi roots-reggae favourites Katchafire, alongside Fiji’s own Paradise Roots, Nicky & Ouvacast and DJ Vibez, promising a high-energy night filled with classic reggae vibes.

Katchafire frontman Logan Bell said the band was thrilled to be back in Fiji.

“Fiji fans always bring out the best in us. We are really looking forward to the event,” he said.

Gates open at 2pm, with opening acts performing throughout the afternoon. Katchafire is scheduled to take the stage at 7pm, with the concert expected to wrap up by 10pm.