Burning spear to ignite Harare with Roots reggae

ROOTS reggae lovers in Zimbabwe are in for a treat as legendary Jamaican artiste Burning Spear (real name Winston Rodney) is set to perform in Harare this October as part of his “One People Tour Africa” 2024 excursion.

The acclaimed Teacher hit-maker will take the stage at Harare’s Glamis Arena on October 18, according to organisers, Sound System Club and Friends of Jamaica.

This will mark the second consecutive year that a renowned reggae icon has graced Zimbabwe, following Ali Campbell and UB40’s tour of the country last year.

Earlier this month, Burning Spear posted a poster of the show on his Facebook page, which, within a few minutes, had gone viral among social media users, particularly roots reggae fans.

Burning Spear, who wrapped up a 22-day North American tour on June 28, will soon embark on a European leg from July 27 to August 11 before heading to the African continent.

Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa have been confirmed as part of the “One People Tour Africa 2024” itinerary.

The veteran reggae singer will perform at the Uhuru Park in Nairobi on October 12, Emperors’ Palace in Johannesburg on October 19 and then travel to Cape Town for a show at the Mhudi Wines Farm on October 20.

Burning Spear, one of the most influential and long-standing roots reggae artistes to emerge from the 1970s, has won two Grammy Awards for

Best Reggae Album — for Calling Rastafari in 2000 and Jah Is Real in 2009. He has been nominated for a total of 12 Grammys over the course of his celebrated career.

Zimbabwean fans will no doubt be eager to witness the living legend deliver his signature blend of conscious roots reggae in October. —@MbuleloMpofu