Part of the Jamaica Worldwide reggae artist series.
Who He Is
Winston Rodney, known as Burning Spear, was born in 1945 in St Ann’s Bay, the same parish as Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley. It was Marley himself who encouraged him to go to Studio One.
The Journey
His 1975 album Marcus Garvey is regarded as one of the greatest roots reggae records ever made. Over five decades he has released a deep catalogue and won Grammy awards for Calling Rastafari and Jah Is Real.
Essential Songs
“Marcus Garvey”, “Slavery Days”, “Door Peep”, “Social Living”, “Old Marcus Garvey”, “Columbus”.
Why He Matters
Burning Spear is reggae’s historian and teacher. His hypnotic, chant-like music keeps African history, Garvey’s vision and Black pride at the centre of the roots tradition.
Listen & Follow
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