By Jimmy Chazama:
History was engraved on Saturday at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe when Grammy Award winning legendary Jamaican roots reggae singer-songwriter, vocalist and musician, Winston Rodney OD popularly known as Burning Spear finally debuted with his live set.
Burning Spear’s act in the One People Africa tour at the stadium which has played host to other top concerts in the past years and soccer matches, excited reggae music enthusiasts, who turned up in large numbers despite the acute fuel shortage in the country.
Rastafarian colours of red, green and gold took centre stage during the reggae concert, which some reggae fanatics have described as the concert of the year.
The influential and long standing roots artists to emerge from the 1970s, performed at Civo, a venue that has in the past years hosted top soccer matches and a second showdown of another Jamaica’s act Morgan Heritage.
Burning Spear’s performance in the country adds to the several other Jamaican musicians, who have performed in the country and they include Luciano, Busy Signal, Kenyatta Hill, Morgan Heritage, Gramps Morgan, Turbulence, King Sounds and Everton Blender. At 79 years old, the reggae icon, who met President Lazarus Chakwera ahead of the concert, showed he was no ordinary artist when he showed energy throughout his set that came after a number of locals had warmed the stage.
Wearing a cap with Rastafarian colours, a top, ripped jean trouser and sneakers, Burning Spear, conquered with his well-known reggae sounds and kept up a promise he had made upon his arrival at Kamuzu International Airport on Thursday that he was in to sing for the people.
“Malawi”, he shouted as the lively audience responded with intensity.
However, some fans were left disappointed in that Burning Spear, who start with his 17-member band, did not perform two of his popular hits ‘Not Stupid’ and ‘Identity’, that take a swipe at governments for failing people on their promises.
The icon, who showed his reggae dance steps as he has always done during several of his concerts, bowed out as fans were still longing for more.
On weekend which was chockfull with events, the One People Africa tour that according to some fans was a celebration of reggae music and culture, kicked off with local acts including Positive Yut, who expressed delight in sharing the stage with the legend.
“We are lucky to have him here in Malawi, us Getto youths we are happy for him,” the ‘Matamando’ and ‘Mama’ creator said.
Former presidential hopeful and musician Ras Chikomeni Chirwa travelled all the way from Mzuzu to watch Burning Spear.
“I would have travelled any distance in the country to see him because he is my relative,” Chikomeni said.
Some people took advantage of the concert to make a kill through different businesses with others selling cannabis.
Spearheaded by Sound Addicts, the concert also saw performances from artists such as Kellie Divine, Lawi, Haxi Momba, Lambanie Dube, Skeffa Chimoto, Phyzix and Anthony Makondetsa and Black Missionaries, who closed the curtain in the early hours of yesterday.
“The concert was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of reggae culture,” Jacob Mwanolo, a resident of Area 25 said.
Burning Spear has won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album; one at the 42nd Grammy Awards in 2000 for Calling Rastafari and one for 2009’s Jah Is Real.
0 Comments