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Sifelani Tsiko
Innovations Editor
African school children need to fully understand the breadth of black history – slavery, evils of colonialism, achievements and recognise the importance of African unity in the survival of black people on the continent and the Diaspora, roots reggae legend Burning Spear says.
In a video that has gone viral, while visiting Mkwichi Secondary School in Lilongwe, Malawi recently, Burning Spear, one of the most significant voices in the Rastafari – reggae movement, said learning black history creates a sense of belonging and helps African students to be proud about black achievements.
“And today we are here to say, One People -One People Africa tour 2024..….So I’m here to say, you’ve got to remember the days of slavery. For that was true. That was reality. That did take place in Africa,” said the Jamaican roots reggae singer Winston Rodney, popularly known as Burning Spear to a thunderous applause from students at the school.
“Do you remember the days of slavery? I even wrote a song singing about the days of slavery. To see how much I take it very seriously, I will be singing, do you remember the days of slavery, yeah, yeah, don’t look back on your losses Africa, don’t look back now. Hold on, we can do something together.”
Burning Spear is on a One People Africa Tour 2024 which has seen him and his band performing in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia and Malawi.
He is set to perform in Kenya on November 2.
Burning Spear had a momentous chance to meet students in Malawi where he presented them with books, lunch, and money for a competition.
“It’s a journey, it’s a journey, we are in, it’s a long story to tell about Africa. So, Africa is the foundation of everything. The first scientist was from Africa. The first builder was from Africa. The first teacher was from Africa,” said Burning Spear before breaking into his popular song: ‘African Teacher.”
“Teach me, teach me, teach me, teach me, teacher. Teach I and I, Amharic teacher. Teach me, teach me, teach me, teach me, teacher. Teach I and I, African teacher.”
The students went wild, dancing and whistling in praise of Burning Spear – one of the most exhilarating reggae performers in more than half a century.
“So, as I say, it’s very important to know where you’re originally coming from. So I’m here to tell you that. Do not look back on your losses, do not look back now. Only if you come together, you can gain more than what you lost,” he said.
“Listen, only if you come together, you can gain more than what you lost. It is not about one person or one people.
“It is about togetherness. One Africa, regardless of how you might see it, or what you might say about it, or what your teacher might be teaching you. And I know she’s teaching you, or he is teaching you the right thing.
“But never forget, we are originally from Africa. I am from Africa also, an African descendant. I was born in Jamaica at the Parish of St Ann in 1945. I started singing in 1969 and my first song was called ‘Door Peep Shall Not Enter.”
Burning Spear entranced and energised the students, sharing stories of Africa’s history and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Throughout Spear’s career his music has been motivated by his devout Rastafari faith, looking towards African culture as the roots of black consciousness.
Aged 79, he remains one of the most revered and consistent reggae roots artists with an unwavering belief in the Rastafari faith, pan Africanism, and a dedication to preserving the memory of Marcus Garvey.
Online Reporter