In 1985, Black Uhuru’s album ‘Anthem’ made history by becoming the first reggae recording to win a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Recording. Released in June 1984 by Island Records, the album marked a pivotal moment for the roots trio, comprising Duckie Simpson, Michael Rose, and Puma Jones. Producers Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare aimed to expand the group’s appeal by introducing innovative instrumentation, including the use of horns and the cutting-edge Simmons drums, which were popular among UK new wave bands like Soft Cell and The Human League. Recorded at the renowned Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, ‘Anthem’ featured standout tracks such as ‘Party Next Door,’ ‘What is Life,’ and a cover of Sly and The Family Stone’s ‘Somebody’s Watching You.’ The album capped a successful six-year collaboration between Black Uhuru and the production duo, which had already yielded hits like ‘General Penitentiary’ and ‘Plastic Smile.’ The Grammy win was a milestone for reggae music, which had only been recognized by the Recording Academy in 1984 after years of lobbying by Jamaican and U.S. interests. Dunbar recalled learning about the victory from Bob Dylan while working on his album ‘Infidel’ in New York, emphasizing that the focus was always on creating music rather than chasing awards. As the Recording Academy prepares to announce nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards on November 7, ‘Anthem’ remains a testament to Black Uhuru’s enduring legacy in reggae music.