Sandra “Puma” Jones was born in Columbia, South Carolina on October 5, 1953. She was a member of the Grammy Award-winning group, Black Uhuru. Puma, as she was affectionally known graduated from Columbia University with a Masters Degree, before becoming a social worker in New York City. She studied dance with the Chuck Davis troupe where she took particular interest in African dance.

 

Puma sang with Mama Africa and Ras Michael, and the Sons of Negus. She later joined Black Uhuru for the recording sessions of the 1979 album. Thereafter, Puma went on to sing on seven studio albums.

 

Upon the departure of Michael Rose in 1984, and with the new member Delroy “Junior” Reid, Puma was committed to, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

As the illness worsened she was forced to step down from the group and the album was completed with Olafunke as an uncredited backing vocalist. Puma Jones then returned to New York for treatment. After a long battle with breast cancer Puma died on 28 January 1990, aged 36. She was later buried near her family home in South Carolina.

Puma’s work:

Backing Vocals-

Black Uhuru – Anthem [1983]

Ras Michael & Sons Of Negus – Movements [1978]

Ras Michael & Sons Of Negus – Revelation [1982]