Being inspired by the late Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Burning Spear, who regarded him as one of Africa's strongest leaders and statesmen, in respect for his work and as a man who has fought and sufferred for his beliefs, put the title of Jomo Kenyatta (Burning Spear ) unto himself as name. From there on, the flame of the spear is unquenchable, singing against slavery, discrimination and praising men like Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Kwame Nkrumah and Martin Luther King. His reason of cherishing these men are simple and logical. Because they paved the way for everyone and I and I to be recognised.
Burning Spear showed his love for Africa from his great hit "Greetings" from the album "Far Over", after his trip to Africa. Greetings Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa." He said. He lamented bitterly about blacks in the United States of America who have no intention and no respect for the culture. As if they have forgotten their history, some even hate to be referred to as Africans. "Even though they say I'm a Yankee" Burning Spear said he still loves them because they are his brothers and sisters.
After over thirty years of his prolific music career, the tireless Burning Spear surprisingly came out last year (2003) with his new album captioned "Free man" with great numbers such as "Trust, Not Guilty, loved for who I am etc" His songs speak of its self. Truly, the achievements of Burning Spear, in the field of reggae, shall remain in the music history for ever.
Article comments
1 - Douglas Mays
Thanx for posting about Winston Rodney. I used to manage the guy from 1985-1989. He is an i-rie mon, Has some very good thoughtful philosophy in our many conversations we have had.
Anyway, the guy is deserved of his status. thanx man....
peaceloveguidance
2 - Douglas Mays
the book FACING MOUNT KENYA by Jomo Kenyata is a good read that might put the Burning Spear philosophy in perspective.
plg