British reggae legends UB40’s hit single Rat in Mi Kitchen received a Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on Friday, January 24, 2025.
This milestone signifies over 200,000 sales and streaming equivalent units in the UK. It is the group’s fist BPI certification for 2025.
Rat in Mi Kitchen, the title track from UB40’s 1986 album, became an instant classic with its playful lyrics and infectious reggae rhythms. The song reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1986 and spent seven weeks on the chart. It saw success in Europe, charting in Belgium (No. 4), Ireland (No. 7), and the Netherlands (N0.7).
Although attributed to the entire band, Rat in Mi Kitchen is primarily written by Astro, who also sang lead vocals. The idea for the song emerged when lead singer Ali Campbell shared his frustrations about a rat infestation in his new home in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.
Astro, inspired by Campbell’s complaint, turned the nuisance into a vibrant reggae anthem. The song’s lighthearted narrative, paired with a lively horn section featuring Herb Alpert on trumpet, became a fan favorite and a staple in UB40’s repertoire.
Artistic and Commercial Legacy
The single’s success was bolstered by the distinctive sleeve artwork designed by Bob Linney, further cementing its place in the visual and musical legacy of UB40.
UB40 members Robin Campbell and Jimmy Brown have firmly ruled out reuniting with former frontman Ali Campbell, who left the band in 2008 after 30 years due to management and business disputes. Speaking on The Trawl podcast, Robin stated, “It wasn’t a family fall-out. It wasn’t brothers falling out. He left the band.”
Jimmy Brown echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’ve got a brilliant singer [Matt Doyle]. He’s fantastic and he’s only 30. He’s got a fantastic voice, and you can rely on him.” Both emphasized that “all the money in the world” wouldn’t convince them to reconcile with Ali.
Ali, who has performed with a splinter group, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, previously claimed he felt “kind of betrayed” by the band’s management, which led to his departure. Robin, however, expressed no hope for reconciliation, saying, “If he apologised and wanted to be my brother again, I’d have to accept that, but really, when he decided he wasn’t my brother any more, it was a relief.”
