HARARE – At 79 years old, Winston “Burning Spear” Rodney proved that age is nothing but a number, delivering a captivating performance that left fans in awe at the Glamis Arena on Friday.
The Jamaican roots-reggae icon, close to becoming an octogenarian, lived up to his legendary status, rocking the stage like a teenager and cementing his place in the hearts of Zimbabwean reggae enthusiasts.
Burning Spear, affectionately known as the “African Teacher,” treated fans to an unforgettable night filled with some of his greatest hits, including Marcus Garvey, Chant Down Babylon, and African Teacher. His performance, described as “vintage” by many in attendance, was a testament to his enduring relevance in the reggae world. Fans sang along to every word, matching the energy of the charismatic performer who has been championing reggae music since the late 1960s.
True to his management’s promise, the reggae crooner delivered a performance reminiscent of his younger days. Ahead of the show, his team had assured fans that Burning Spear, despite his age, still possessed the energy and spirit of a much younger artist. That promise was fulfilled as the legend gave an electrifying performance, moving effortlessly across the stage and connecting deeply with the audience through his body language and music.
Public relations expert Sugar Chagonda, who was among the thousands of fans present, expressed his admiration for the living legend, saying, “This is what we call a good performance. He is ever young and still going strong. We are a blessed generation to watch him on stage. Whoever brought him here should be saluted for bringing this icon to Zimbabwe.”
Indeed, Burning Spear’s visit to Zimbabwe was a special moment for the local reggae community, which has long admired the iconic Jamaican musician. His performance brought memories of past shows by reggae greats, most notably Bob Marley’s historic performance at Rufaro Stadium during Zimbabwe’s 1980 Independence celebrations. Over the years, Zimbabwe has hosted some of the biggest names in reggae, including Morgan Heritage, Capleton, Buju Banton, and UB40. However, Burning Spear’s performance stood out for its sheer intensity and authenticity.
The event at Glamis Arena was characterised by a vibrant yet orderly atmosphere, with fans demonstrating their deep respect for the veteran performer. Unlike other high-profile concerts where crowd trouble is common, the show ran smoothly, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the music. The sound and lighting were on point, adding to the magic of the night.
Burning Spear’s performance was not only a celebration of reggae but also a reaffirmation of his deep connection to Africa. His body language and interactions with the audience showed that he was deeply honoured to perform for his Zimbabwean fans, many of whom had waited years for this moment. The singer’s enduring commitment to promoting African culture and black empowerment resonated with the crowd, who responded with enthusiasm and appreciation throughout his set.
Local reggae acts, including Cello Culture and Feli Nandi, who performed earlier in the evening, also earned praise for their impressive sets. For Cello Culture, sharing the stage with Burning Spear was a dream come true. “I am blessed to have shared the stage with Burning Spear. It’s every reggae artiste’s wish to perform alongside such legends. I will always cherish this moment, which means a lot to me,” Cello Culture said.
The show drew praise from all corners, with well-known master of ceremonies Merciless Zimbabwe hailing the performance as historic. “We are blessed to have hosted the African Teacher, who has done a lot in promoting Africa. As an individual, I am glad to be here watching him perform live to a responsive crowd. We have been yearning for this over the years, and Burning Spear has simply made us proud. I will tell my children about this experience because I am impressed,” he said.
Burning Spear’s concert was part of his Africa tour, which has seen the reggae legend reconnect with his African roots while sharing his timeless message of unity and empowerment. His visit to Zimbabwe is set to be remembered for years to come as one of the most memorable reggae events in the country’s recent history.
For many, Burning Spear’s music is more than entertainment; it is a call for African unity, social justice, and the recognition of black pride. Born on March 1, 1945, in Saint Ann’s Bay, Jamaica—the same birthplace as Bob Marley—Burning Spear has long been a voice for the voiceless, using his music to speak on issues of race, identity, and the struggles of black people worldwide.
As the night came to an end, fans left the Glamis Arena with a sense of fulfillment, having witnessed a true icon in action. Burning Spear’s camp, too, expressed their satisfaction with the show, noting that the warm reception from Zimbabwean fans confirmed the artist’s enduring appeal.
With a career spanning over five decades, Winston Rodney, the man known as Burning Spear, continues to inspire and elevate audiences around the world. His Zimbabwean fans were left with an unforgettable experience, a powerful reminder of the impact that reggae music and its message of peace, love, and empowerment can have on people of all generations.
For Zimbabwe’s reggae community, the night was nothing short of magical, and Burning Spear’s performance will be talked about for years to come as a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to transcend age, time, and borders.
