André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Members of UB40 at bMobile Reggae Sunsplash 2006 when the band made its Jamaican debut. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

For almost 30 years, British reggae band, UB40 has been an unconventional face of reggae. They have become arguably the number one reggae act of all-time in terms of record sales, chart positions and touring schedule. Now, with approximately 25 albums under their belt, they stand the chance of winning music's most coveted award, the Grammy, as UB40 has received a nomination for What You Fighting For in the Best Reggae Album category.

A fan once asked Robin, vocalist and lead guitar player, what keeps the group going.

"If we knew, we'd bottle it. I think we're just lucky that we have a unique sound, instantly recognisable and enough people like what we do. The trick is to keep your fans happy while attracting new younger listeners; never easy, and seldom achieved for long. We're still trying to make ourselves happy," Robin said.

The band got its named after the members tried to claim unemployment from the Department of Health and Social Security while they were putting the band together. At first the members where simply friend from college days, but would later form the perennial group. (UB40 = Unemployment Benefit, Form 40).

Despite having the heavy Jamaican flavour, UB40 did not perform in Jamaica until Reggae Sunsplash, last summer.

"We've intended to come to Jamaica and play several times, because we've had about three invites to play there, but it just didn't happen," said founding member, Ali Campbell, on the day of their Jamaican debut.

inspired by ska and rock songs

Many of UB40's recordings were inspired by 1960s ska and early lovers' rock songs that would have otherwise been forgotten in the public's eye. The emergence of the group did wonders for many Jamaican musicians and producers who were struggling. UB40 helped to revamp the industry and people were starting to invest more interest in the genre.

They have always used their influence to tackle social problems from racism to poverty. This has been documented from their first album, Signing Off. U40 is popular for singles such as, Red Red Wine, The Train Is Coming, Wear You To The Ball, Homely Girl and more.

UB40 is nominated in a category that includes other top reggae acts - Buju Banton, Matisyahu, Ziggy Marley and Sly and Robbie. Winning will not be an easy task, but the album has been getting good reviews. The British Broadcasting Corporation said that "the sheer freshness and vitality of the music after all this time can't be denied ... Lyrically too there's a toughness here that harks back to the early days".

It is speculation now, but the matter will be settled on February 11.