Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney in 1945 in Saint Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, is a legendary roots reggae artist. His music is deeply rooted in the Rastafari philosophy and the teachings of Marcus Garvey. He broke through in 1975 with the album Marcus Garvey, which marked the beginning of decades of international acclaim. Disillusioned with the music industry, he founded his own label, Burning Music. He is regarded as one of the most influential voices in reggae, with an impressive body of work that remains faithful to the original spirit of the genre. Catch Burning Spear live on June 29 at Muziekgieterij in Maastricht.

Artist Info

Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney in 1945 in Saint Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, is one of the most influential and respected artists in roots reggae. His music is deeply grounded in Rastafari spirituality, social justice, and the history of the African people. Inspired by Marcus Garvey and influenced by Bob Marley — who also hailed from Saint Ann — Burning Spear began his career in the 1960s at Studio One, the legendary Jamaican record label run by Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. His distinctive voice, spiritual lyrics, and hypnotic rhythms have made him a truly unique figure in the reggae world.

Breakthrough and Early Success

Burning Spear’s breakthrough came in 1975 with the album Marcus Garvey, released on Island Records. Produced by the legendary Jack Ruby, the album is considered a landmark in reggae history. The title track “Marcus Garvey” and songs like “Slavery Days” and “The Invasion” are powerful calls for awareness and remembrance of African heritage. The combination of profound lyrics and traditional nyabinghi rhythms brought a new spiritual depth to roots reggae.

Key Albums

Following Marcus Garvey, Burning Spear released a series of influential albums. Man in the Hills (1976) and Dry & Heavy (1977) further cemented his reputation as a spiritual leader within reggae. Through the 1980s and ’90s, he remained relevant with albums like Hail H.I.M. (1980), Resistance (1985), and People of the World (1986), always staying true to his roots and message. In 1999, his album Calling Rastafari won him a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. His work is known for its consistency and integrity, rarely swayed by commercial trends.

Live Performances and Recognition

Burning Spear is also known for his powerful live performances. His concerts are spiritual experiences, guiding audiences on a musical journey full of rhythm, meditation, and awareness. He has toured globally and appeared at major festivals such as Reggae Sunsplash and the Montreux Jazz Festival. In 2007, he was honored with the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government for his contribution to music and culture.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Burning Spear is more than a musician; he is a cultural icon and teacher. His work has influenced generations of artists across genres, from reggae to hip-hop. His core message — the importance of identity, history, and spirituality — remains deeply relevant in today’s ever-changing world. Despite his humble demeanor, he continues to be one of the purest voices in reggae, with a legacy deeply woven into both Jamaican and global music history.

WWW: Burning Spear – Muziekgieterij Maastricht