After decades waiting, Reggae Legend Burning Spear Delivers Unforgettable Show in Zimbabwe

On Friday the 18th of October 2024, legendary Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Burning Spear delivered an unforgettable performance at Harare’s Glamis Arena, as part of his ongoing One People Africa Tour. The 79-year-old Jamaican reggae icon, real name Winston Rodney, defied both age and expectations, bringing decades of roots reggae mastery to Zimbabwe’s capital.

By Plot Mhako, Harare

The concert was organized by the Sound System Club and the Friends of Jamaica.

Despite some earlier setbacks that almost caused the tour to be canceled, Burning Spear’s insistence that the show go on proved a blessing for the thousands of fans who gathered to see him live.”

In an interview on Wednesday, Burning Spear’s management revealed that the tour faced potential roadblocks but was saved by the artist’s determination. According to reggae music historian and cultural expert, Professor Fred Zindi, this was not the first time Zimbabwe had tried to bring the reggae giant to its shores. Back in 1984, Joseph Mhundwa, brother to then Radio 3 DJ Mike Mhundwa, made an earlier attempt to host Burning Spear in Zimbabwe, though it never materialized. Several efforts have been made by different promoters over the years.

Friday’s concert marked the culmination of decades of anticipation for the reggae community in the country.”

The concert boasted a vibrant lineup of local supporting acts, each contributing to the electric atmosphere. Transit Crew, one of Zimbabwe’s oldest reggae bands, along with Cello Culture, Feli Nandi, Bobo Kalabash, and Mannexx, among others, delivered energetic performances that warmed up the crowd. Their commitment to reggae culture complemented the night’s main act, proving the genre’s enduring popularity in Zimbabwe.

Music and cultural expert Chamunorwa Mashoko reflected on the significance of the event, highlighting Zimbabwe’s deep connection to reggae music. “This concert was very significant for Zimbabwe, which hosted Bob Marley at its Independence in 1980,” Mashoko said. Marley’s performance in 1980 remains one of the most celebrated musical moments in the nation’s history, making Burning Spear’s appearance all the more momentous for local reggae fans.

Among the crowd were Wiseman Makawa and his daughter Ruramai, who traveled all the way from Uzumba to witness the iconic show. Both expressed their shared love for reggae music and admiration for Burning Spear, with Ruramai excitedly noting that seeing the reggae legend in person had been a dream of hers and her father’s for years.

Burning Spear is one of the most influential roots reggae musicians to emerge from the 1970s, standing alongside Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer. A staunch Rastafarian, his music is deeply spiritual and political, reflecting the struggles and hopes of his people. Over his illustrious career, he has been nominated for a total of 12 Grammy Awards, winning twice—first in 2000 for Calling Rastafari and again in 2009 for Jah Is Real.

The Jamaican and international reggae star did not disappoint in Harare. With seamless precision, he performed one great song after another, spicing up with some dances, enchanting drumming defying his age and taking fans on a musical journey that spanned decades. Even a brief power black-out midway his performance couldn’t stop his fire burning.

Burning Spear’s timeless voice, coupled with a tight backing band, kept the audience swaying in unison throughout the night.”

Burning Spear’s performance was a reminder of the genre’s power to unite people across borders and generations. His message of peace, love, and unity—resonating through songs like “Marcus Garvey” and “Slavery Days”—remains as relevant today as it was when his career first took off in the 1970s.

For Zimbabwean reggae enthusiasts, Burning Spear’s Glamis Arena show was not just a concert but a cultural milestone. After years of waiting, the crowd finally got to experience the powerful presence and music of a reggae legend whose work continues to inspire and uplift.”