Burning Spear jets in today

Trust Khosa

REVERED Jamaican roots-reggae legend, Winston “Burning Spear”  Rodney, is expected in Harare this afternoon for his tour of Zimbabwe.

The 79-year-old is billed to perform at the Glamis Arena as part of his “One People Tour Africa”, courtesy of Sound System Club and Friends of Jamaica.

He is visiting our shores along with his full band.

Event organisers confirmed the legendary singer’s itinerary as the reggae and Rastafarian gears up for his show.

“We are expecting him today in Harare at 1620hours at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and this will be followed by a Press conference at 1700 hours at Cresta Lodge (Harare).

“He is coming with a full band. We hope to have a welcome party after a media briefing at the Jamaican Restaurant Sorrels in Avondale.

“We are calling upon fans, fellow musicians, and arts promoters to rally behind our living legend who has Africa at heart,” said one of the event coordinators.

Local reggae acts comprising Cello Culture and Transit Crew, Emmanuel “Mannex” Motsi, Killer T, Merciless, MC Fydale, Judgement Yard Banso Da MC and popular songbird Feli Nandi are part of the line-up.

After the Harare affair, Burning Spear will fly out to South Africa for another performance at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Cape Town fans should brace for the crooner on Sunday when he makes another stopover at the Mhudi Wines Farm for another show.

Burning Spear is one of the revered Jamaican stars who command a huge following in Zimbabwe and even beyond.

His visit would be good news for the reggae community yearning for international stuff.

Last year, British reggae outfit UB40 led by Ali Campbell performed in Harare.

Bob Marley paved the way for other Jamaicans when he performed at Rufaro Stadium in 1980 during the Independence celebrations.

Top Jamaican acts that have performed in Zimbabwe over the years include Morgan Heritage, Capleton, Buju Banton, Luciano, Fantan Mojah, Morgan Heritage, Sizzla Kalonji, Mavado, Elephant Man, Popcaan, Chris Martin, and Beenie Man among others.

The roots reggae singer-songwriter, vocalist, and musician, has been in the game dating back to the late 60s.

Born Winston Rodney on March 1, 1945, in Saint Ann’s Bay in Jamaica, the superstar is a true icon who stands for black people’s rights.

Some of these compositions include “Marcus Garvey”, “African Teacher”, “Obsession”, “Cry Blood”, “Open the Gate” and “Chant Down Babylon” among others.

Being his maiden tour of Zimbabwe, players in the hospitality industry have been tipped to utilise this opportunity fully.

It’s a show not to be missed by local reggae lovers.

For local reggae acts like Mannex and Cello Culture, this is the perfect opportunity for them to show their true colours and learn from the best.

Killer T whose playlist is famed for sing-along tracks will be expected to keep the fire burning.

Not to be outdone is Feli Nandi who has invested a lot in her live performance. She has matured a lot after leaving Mhodzi Tribe to be her lady.

An early Christmas present to the roots-reggae community, Burning Spear’s visit should not be taken lightly as the crooner’s music is rich lyrically.

Burning Spear’s ideology has changed many lives and inspired many people across the continent.