Article & Photos By: Empress Arleen

On Saturday night, October 11, 2003, patrons at the Norva received a profound performance from an undisputed musical legend Burning Spear. Spear made his first recording in 1969 and has been uplifting people from all over the world with his positive messages. The opening act was Break-Green who warmed up the crowd with rock and roll energy. The crowd showed them love, but still anxiously awaited the appearance of The Burning Spear himself. Burning Spear who is also known as the African Teacher; the elder state man of reggae; a cultural ambassador; is a preacher and a Rasta man. The main theme of his music is the teaching of Marcus Garvey, African roots, Rastafarian beliefs, and consciousness, especially black consciousness. Burning Spear spiritually greeted the patrons as they cheered on. As he spoke the fans roared with excitement and anticipation for what they were about to receive. Burning Spear performed on the drums and he made them sound like heartbeats echoing. The crowd loved it. His backing band ‘The Burning’ followed with the bass and percussion.

The sound of live music created electricity of love and the crowd couldn’t get enough. Burning Spear entertained patrons of all ages. His grey beard and dreadlocks revealed not only age, but knowledge and wisdom as he chanted lyrics from his songs such as, "He Prayed", "Changes", "The Youth", "Jah No Dead", "Door Peep", and "Slavery Days". He danced to the music with energy, and as he played his African drums he began to weave his spell over the crowd. At the end of the show, the keyboard player Noel ‘Klampa’ Aiken announced that it was Burning Spear’s birthday and everyone wished Spear many more blessed years.

Just like Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey, Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney was born in St. Ann’s Jamaica. For years he has been entertaining audiences all over the world with his style and finesse. This has made him a reggae legend. The name ‘Burning Spear’ came from - Jomo Kenyatta, the African freedom fighter. His powerful music focused on Africa, which was displayed to the patrons in his songs, such as "Old Marcus", "We feel it", "Marcus Garvey", and "Happy Day". The trance-like and hypnotic music was simple but real and touched the hearts of all. Burning Spear ended the show with the music of self-pride and love. He is truly an inspirational artist who set the path for conscious living. The combination of his lyrics and the beat of the drums intensified the listening experience.

Burning Spear will burn as strong as ever.

Nuff respect!!!!!!!