tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-183231542024-03-08T08:45:37.839-05:00Burning Spear BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-51753842687541955672009-08-23T12:06:00.001-04:002010-02-28T19:37:02.094-05:00Wisdom To Do What Is Right“For a person without conscience life seems easy. For a person striving to be pure the journey is hard” these words were taken from Buddhist wisdom by David Crosweller.<br /><br />How many time you had to make decision you know is right for you and become the target of other in the form of hate, and mindless gossip. Knowing that if you didn’t make the decision to rid yourself of these people your life would be in fact ruin both financial and mentally.<br /><br />They are always quick to tell you how much you hurt them and completely forget how much they hurt you, hiding from reality and refusing to accept responsibility for their actions, by first blaming others for their own fault. I had to run for my life from those wicked guys.<br /><br />In the eyes and mind of those people you have no right to make up your mind of what best for you, they know what right for you. I have no regret in not putting out a documentary on Burning Spear that I feel didn’t represent the life of I man Burning Spear even though my lost was plenty.<br /><br />Their dream wasn’t my dream and we have since move on. In time we will complete the documentary from the top with the right crew nothing never happen before the time, we are happy with our decision.<br /><br />Sometime the way people would like to belittle us and try to flex their muscle of control thinking that we reggae artist have no right to tell them no, or think for ourselves, while they are using our name as a means to promote themselves it take a lot to control our emotion and remain calm.<br /><br />Over the years we have had to dig very deep and accept our responsibility in taking chances with the wrong people. It was I man who say that Christopher Columbus is a damn blasted lair he never discover Jamaica he was nothing but a pirate, so are those and them that the blood of Christopher Columbus run through their vein they are a damn blast lair.<br /><br />They never discover Burning Spear they came to conquer and destroy Burning Spear to gain fame in a Babylon. So Jah drive them back from whence they cometh. If you stand for the right it’s a big problem not because someone say something don’t mean it’s true, we cannot let others define who we are, the eyes always say it all.<br /><br />If someone cannot look you or I directly in the eyes them something is wrong. Hate and greed and the ability to create fear among people will not get anyone anywhere.<br /><br />It’s the ability to rise up and stand firm in the faces of adversity and to forgive that what will get you or I the peace we so desire. Forgiveness don’t mean that you surrender to your enemy or tormentors, by forgiving them you have reclaims your power back from them, now they have no power over you or I.<br /><br />After reading this book I learn that I cannot sit on the nail and mourn about the things I feel is hurting me, if the nail hurt me I must get off the nail and my mourning will be over.<br /><br />So we write the name of 6 people that we feel did their best to make our business and personal life miserable and we needed to rid them out of our life for good, Sonia and I say a prayer and throw their name in the sea off the coast of St Thomas Virgin Island, We them thank the spirit of our ancestor for the sacrifice they made for us, and acknowledge that if they could survive the journey we too will survive our journey.<br /><br />We promise them under the Caribbean stars that we will never compromise, and I Burning Spear personally thank them for anointed I man with music and for their protection, as the tears flow from our eyes we know that freedom always come with a prize, it maybe one are two we all feel it the same way.<br /><br />As an artist you have to be very careful with whom you surround yourself with. If you don’t have the right person in your corner its over for you. Fame come with a big prize and I always say fame is not worth anyone life, I would rather to be poor and humble than to be rich and unhappy.<br /><br />I am not better or above anyone we are all the same. Some ask me the question do I miss being on the road I say no I am enjoying the simple things in life that so many people take for granted. I have nothing to prove to anyone or regrets. Yes I love my fans that have support me all these years without them I wouldn’t be here today. As you all know reggae artist get very little royalty, so I made my living from touring. And it makes me sad to see some of my peers still touring in order to make a living. Now when I take the stage I have more energy due to the fact I am doing limited dates.<br /><br />We are working on our record label what could be better than to sell your own music, and get paid. Yes we are face with challenges and that ok, we are staying the course of freedom. I say to my fans I now need your support in another way. Honestly never in my wildest dream did I think I would be the first reggae artist to win a Grammy on his own label.<br /><br />Jah is Real was created with so much passion, and each and every day I can see that Jah had a plan in mind for this album. How many time I have seen and feel that Jah is real he help Kevin daily as he recover from Brain tumor, September 13, 2009 will be one year.<br /><br />Kevin never gave up or loses his faith in Jah. So many wonderful people have done so much for us old friends have become new friends and we thank them so much from our heart for again returning into our life.<br /><br />I had to ask a few to forgive me, and they were happy to do so. This was love true love from real friends that know Burning Spear. Without them and their hard work I Burning Spear the artist would not be here today.<br /><br />Ego is dangerous to have it give you a false sense of victory, while it’s slowly moving you into destruction. “Without realizing it is easy to carry out bad deeds. However, retribution will come, as certain as you would burn your hand if you placed it too close to a fire.” From Buddhist wisdom by David Crosweller. Let not take ourselves so serious.<br /><br />Jah Is Real.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-53207148915962581892009-06-20T11:57:00.000-04:002010-01-20T12:05:26.638-05:00Everywhere I GoEverywhere I go, Jah send someone to keep reminding I Burning Spear aka Winston Rodney that no weapon that forms against me can prosper.<br /><br />When going up a steep hill it hurts and we might be tempted to turn back, yet we know that we must face the pain we feel and continue up that very steep hill, no matter how challenging it gets.<br /><br />Resistance and strength is needed to overcome any struggle we are facing. There was a time that I and my partner would feel that we were used by many to fulfill their dreams and the moment we didn’t go with their plan for us we became their enemy.<br /><br />What we learn was that we are not responsible for other people actions towards us, and no weapon they form against us can prosper this is a very rough business with many wolf in sheep clothing.<br /><br />We have overcome many obstacle with our determination, our will to survive and this confused many after all they had done to us business wise how we still continue, we continue with our faith. Taking all they send our way, and learning from them what never to do again.<br /><br />Victorious we stand as I write these lines to you my friends. It’s took me a while to write this blog, I no longer wanted to write from a place of hurt or anger. Jah have given I man so many blessing I have all reason to be happy.<br /><br />We all have to be very careful with people we come in contact with, learn to draw the line.<br /><br />Once again we attend NARM and I must say this was a wonderful experience we had meeting with many wonderful people that understand the need for us reggae artist to develop our own record label, how important it is for us to protect the legacy of Burning Spear, many really compliment Mrs. Rodney (Sonia) for her strength and determination and focus to accomplish all she did on her own.<br /><br />Many great friendship and business relationship was made at NARM. We can make it if we try, slow and steady will win the race, we are the face of changes to come into the music industry.<br /><br />Sonia also had the pleasure of running with a group of NARM runners at 7AM in the morning, this was somewhat an experience and bring both of us some real closure without saying more love and peace was the order of the day. Many respects to all the NARM runners, Sonia is now training for Chicago.<br /><br />The only way to find ever lasting peace with yourself is to accept responsibility for your action. There are no mistakes in life we are right where we need to be. If a person doesn’t love themselves, then they cannot love you or I.<br /><br />Everyone make choice, and will have to stand and face the judgments of the choices they make. I man always believe in losing first, them to be the winner later.<br /><br />We have learned to sit back and watch the movie of life make note of the actor and actress and their directors, what a joy just to be part of the audience of life.<br /><br />I man know that Jah No Dead, and this African postman will continue to deliver Jah telegram to all the people of the world in music. I am just a man not a rich man a Rastaman, Jah had a plan for I man, that none could have ever predict, Jah took I man from the Hills of St Ann’s Bay to travel the world.<br /><br />To quote this sister I met on Tuesday “Great Man no weapon that forms against you can prosper”. I man feel so humble and bless to be a messenger of His Majesty.<br /><br />Boston are you Ready for Burning Spear and The Young Lion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-72618778554354904552009-03-01T11:42:00.000-05:002010-01-20T11:50:42.855-05:00Make Appointment With His MajestySometime you have to make appointment with His Majesty and tell him about all of your inner feelings and thoughts. Life is journey and I always say it’s not how you fall it’s how you rise.<br /><br />I went to the Grammy to enjoy a show and came home with a Grammy for the best reggae album for 2009. I was truly shock and must say base on my experiences these past four years I can tell you Jah is Real. A few went after me and Sonia with a vengeance because of greed and the more they would try and destroy us the more stronger we became.<br /><br />What they don’t understand we are protected by the Holy man, I tell you these confused people did everything you could think of they kept all of my money and destroy all those CDs, and make various threats yet I and I stand strong and focus.<br /><br />We know that Jah had a plan for us and these people were our lesson, I say to you believe in yourself and never be afraid to follow your dreams.<br /><br />Jah Is Real was testimony of I man Burning Spear, I made sure to write my own liner notes, I wanted to keep it real tell my story in my own way. We made sure that Jah Is Real when from my hands into your hands.<br /><br />Winning the Grammy was a true blessing and having Kevin there with me was even a bigger blessing. Kevin sudden health issue with Brain tumor hit us really hard and we suffer major trauma thinking that we would have lost Kevin yet I went ahead and finish up the Jah Is Real shows because I know that what Kevin would have wanted me to do.<br /><br />Sonia stays back and took care of Kevin and the business. I truly don’t know how she did it, she stays focus and determine, and thanks to Bikram Yoga she made it through. Kevin never lost hope in Jah and when faced with life and dead he choose life, always saying Jah Is Real.<br /><br />I see how important it is for us to enjoy our life and to live in the moment, if we didn’t do something right and have faith in the Creator then Kevin would not be here today.<br /><br />We must all make appointment with His Majesty and pray and meditate every day giving thanks for life, Money cannot buy life or happiness, it only buy things.<br /><br />I would rather to be friends with the animal than to be a target for Babylon. I have seen the moon shine so bright in the sky, and know that with each new moon we have a new start of life, How many nights I hear Sonia cry to the moon and the star that shine outside of our bed room window, it is as if the moon and star came to comfort her soul telling her that she must endured, Rainbow shining over the sea showing us that our life will be at peace, and we should never let anyone disturb our peace that the Creator have provide us with.<br /><br />It's love and peace time. I refuse to walk around bitter because other would want me to feel bitter, I and Sonia surrender them in the sea in Negril while watching the sun set over the blue ocean of the warm Jamaica waters.<br /><br />Out of the darkness come light, our of pain come pleasure. Accepts the things the challenges you and I question at time know that Jah Is on our side , know yourself and don’t be afraid to silent your mind with your breath.<br /><br />Since the Grammy win my phone have not stop ringing. Everyone have idea of what good for me to do, they have no idea of the hard work I and Sonia put in.<br /><br />The good people do and they are rejoicing with us, as we slowly go into exile to enjoy this moment in time and proudly getting ready to make more history.<br /><br />This is a time for thank giving and honoring of the Creator for standing by our side while we travel on this journey of life. The worst thing we could do right now was to become a target for Babylon; we are human being we don’t have to become human doing. Sonia and I learn this in our Bikram Yoga class.<br /><br />It’s ok not to do anything, and any decision I make will be my own. I and you have a right just to be happy and live our best life yet. Each day is a brand new day let start each new day fresh, dream big for yourself, whatever you wish for will come true if you truly believe.<br /><br />Anything you lost will be found in time no need to go searching for it. Up on the rock I sit where the river and the sea meet as one in perfect harmony am I not a lucky man to be Sixty four years young today rocking to the Beat of the Dub of Jah is Real in my basement?<br /><br />You and I are born to win not to lose, in my vision I can see from a distance all the great men and women that have paid the price so we all can be free, I am happy to be me a humble servant of His Majesty.<br /><br />Jah have given I Winston Rodney the best earth day present of all, health and the knowledge to know that I am just a man, not a rich man a Rastaman. The Lion of Judah shall break every change and give I the victory again and again.<br /><br />Today I stretch forth my hands and ask all of you my family and friend to stretch forth your hands to reach my hands, our heart shall beat of as one with the sound of Burning Spear. Let the silent sound of the drums of freedom and love touch your heart today as it touched mines.<br /><br />Let not any hate be in your heart to day for anyone, empty the hate if there is any, and replace it with love and life.<br /><br />One Love Jah Is Real Keep The Spear Burning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-84499974373199848692008-12-30T11:17:00.000-05:002010-01-20T11:30:07.574-05:00Since They Didn't Hire I Man Spear They Cannot Fire ISince they didn’t hire I man Spear they cannot fire me, I Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear was hire by the Creator to do his work and to spread his message with music.<br /><br />First I must say I am a very happy and relax man of Sixty three years old. Neither I or Sonia is frustrated, in fact it’s the opposite. A few are frustrated because everything they try this time around was not going to work.<br /><br />In life there are no accident everything happens for a reason and a purpose. We are determining not to let anyone disturb our peace. While reasoning about the changes we see taking place all around us, and with the passing of so many of my fellow singers and musician. I man know that Jah would not take all of us he had to keep some of us on this creation to see the fulfillment of the things we sing about. Marcus Garvey words come to pass.<br /><br />The name Burning Spear came from Kenya and now America have a president with a father from Kenya that bring thousands of people from around the world of every shade of colors in the street celebrating . History was made and it show that this race is not for the swift but for the smart for the one that know themselves as winners.<br /><br />None can change what the Creator have plan, it’s not about the color of one skin or where they come from it’s about equal rights and justice for all. No man or woman should think they are superior to anyone because of the color of their skin or because they sit in an office everyday in a suit and tie.<br /><br />Look around you, who are the people that cause the most problems for you in your work place that will go out of their way to make your life hell. Are they not the one that is the unhappy that you don’t want any contact with? Yet they always find a way to be in your space to contaminate it with their bad vibes.<br /><br />The bad seed that they have sow now they are reaping it, and have become so jealous of us; they are indeed the ones that are frustrated.<br /><br />Never let anyone define who you are or put words in your mouth of who they think you are, and tell you what you are feeling how do they know what our feelings are, why would you or I need instruction from those that have no peace in their lives. all they know is how to fight the innocent ones with their fake might.<br /><br />I have a little hand book I read everyday title wisdom From The Four Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz “Don’t take anything personally because by taking things personally you set yourself up to suffer for nothing.” How true are those words? I empower you to take charge of your life and set goals, don’t past the blame on to anyone accept your responsibility and move to find your center.<br /><br />Yes your center I and Sonia do Bikram Yoga if someone would have told I man Spear that I would do Yoga I would say no. I don’t go as often as Sonia but I do go. Sonia has now set a goal for her to do twenty class straight nonstop and also run six days each week. Only the Fittest of the fittest will survive in these times. Finding your focus will lead you in the right direction of self. Yourself and none else.<br /><br />I Burning spear have never call or ask anyone for a loan to complete any of I man albums, they wonder that after all they did to us business wise we are able to still survive.<br /><br />This is the reason I say they didn’t hire me so they cannot fired me musically. The price we are paying for the freedom of reggae music is worth it, we are standing firm and holding our ground.<br /><br />So confident to see we are on the right track if you were to see some of the emails that was send out by some so call intelligent people informing us of what we must do and what they will do to us if we don’t do exactly as they say.<br /><br />And when we don’t comply to their orders they move on to send out emails to their friends in the music industry to tell them not to buy and to remove Burning Spear Jah Is Real and other Burning Spear titles the question I ask what are they so afraid of, that I will see all the money they were making and not paying.<br /><br />Let me make it very clear to them Jah Is Real is I man baby, yes Burning Spear baby, and not one of you will reap a penny from this album.<br /><br />I am not responsible for your financial problem and none will ever rip me off again, and there will never be any more over the top action of take over. I would say nice try that pose is over if we didn’t learn anything from the past three years of we learn how to protect ourselves.<br /><br />Sonia and I knew exactly what was coming our way and was ready without any fear, Jah Is my light and salvation who shall I fear? Proverbs 12:16 a wise son heareth his father instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke . A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.<br /><br />Jah is Real and he is always guiding us into the right direction. No way was anyone going to take away what I own and push me in the river to drown.<br /><br />Experience is the key once you see what people are capable of doing, don’t allow them to take any form of control of what you own. The key to success is learning to accept your lesson, learn from it and move on.<br /><br />We are not looking back on our losses, we know we will gain more than we have lost. Life is not about things and possession it’s about how much did you laugh .The moment you are able to separate yourself from things none cannot hurt you, they can only hurt themselves.<br /><br />At some point in life all the wrong they have done you and I will catch up with them, and no money in the world will be able to save them. Silent heart is the way to find victory, we have to find our victory from inside of ourselves, and peaceful in our mind can we exalt ourselves with light not darkness.<br /><br />So many time I get request for show, I choose what I do now in form of Live Show, I am not here to live up to what other thinks I should be doing, I am Sixty three Years old, I paid my dues in this musical life so his majesty say I can now travel light.<br /><br />None is interesting in us building a fountain for our music in form of selling our own records To stop the pirate of reggae music and to make sure we reap what we sow. It’s liberation time for our music, a friend send me this beautiful posters with these words from Malcolm X “if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.”<br /><br />In the 2008 we enter the gate in 2009 we will walk on a straight line, knowing all things will manifest itself in Jah time. I am not looking back and I hope you my friends and family will not look back either we must remain steady fast to achieved our goals.<br /><br />The race is not for the swift but for the one that endured. I Burning Spear will stick to the plan if you know you are wrong do the right thing, I will not compromise and succumb to the wickedness of evil plans against I and I musical, That why I had to Run for my life.<br /><br />They didn’t hire me so they cannot fire me. Jah Is RealAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-23935946546657988092008-11-22T11:02:00.000-05:002010-01-20T11:11:56.326-05:00We Can Make It If We TryThrough this experience I man stand strong, I want to share this with you I have been writing this blog for the past two weeks and for some reason I could not finish it and now I know why. This week was a very important week for I man, yes they were trying to take over my album Jah Is Real and coming with their many demand and fear of what they would do to I and Sonia if we don’t let them have the digital rights.<br /><br />Well we stand strong this time with no compromise. Jah is Real is under no agreement and never will be. They were too ready to start the twisting of agreement to suit them and their evil plan of major takeover of what doesn’t belong to them. Well I and Sonia were ready to hang on the cliff and we were not calling out for any help from anyone but Jah to work with us.<br /><br />We had taken out the agreement way in advance and read it very careful plus after our experience with Mega Force we was ready, they are the same kind of people. This the last of a small group of people that we got involve with that we should have never got involve with.<br /><br />To quote one of them “your call is not welcome here” and hang up the phone. I say my call is not welcome so the money you all are making from the name Burning Spear is not welcome either. I did not get swell headed and run away I stand firm and make sure they know that any and all agreement with regards to Burning Spear they have was terminated at once.<br /><br />So I don’t have to call them and they don’t have to insult me while making money from me. I don’t need them, they need me.<br /><br />When I went to NARM I met this professor that teaches entertainment law, and he was very taken by Sonia. After hearing of the nasty and illegal things that had taken place with our last distribution he told her never to allow anyone to take control of what you own or to enforce their idea of what the agreement say. You are not just representing your husband you are a Record Label and you can walk away if you are not happy.<br /><br />Just like in marriage you have divorce you can also have divorce in agreement. Don’t listen to the parties that have more to lose, it always in their best interest to mislead you and to create confusion. I advise every reggae artist to go to NARM or send someone to represent you there. Always speak for yourself and never let anyone collect your money and pay you. There are now so many ways for artist to sell their music themselves stay away from agreement or contracts. Know your rights and never be afraid to walk away if sometime don’t feel right.<br /><br />We would like to thank everyone for their prayers for my family, Kevin is doing great and recovering nicely, I cannot say any of our life will ever be the same and yes there is a pain in both Sonia and I man heart that only time will heal. Maybe all of these events were meant for all of our life to be change; I just know I feel the tears that fall from the eyes of Sonia as she lay awake each night crying to the stars of the night.<br /><br />As we rise each morning I beat the drums and let the tears from my eyes cleanse away the evil vibes. Yes my friends this is a time for many tears of rain for I and my family I cannot tell you any lie.<br /><br />We burn sage in our home every day knowing that Jah will answer all of our prayers in the right time. We just have to remain focus and be patience.<br /><br />The burning of the sage got me to reflect on the native Indians how they too have suffer and have paid many price for freedom. They are the forgotten warriors how easy is it for us to forget how many brave ones fight for our rights of freedom that we so often take for granted.<br /><br />Freedom always come with some kind of struggle, oppressors always find it so hard to release the grip of control over those that they picture In their mind as weak or lack knowledge.<br /><br />We must watch for the red flag of control from those that we come in contact with.<br /><br />It’s not about unnecessary confusion right now for me it’s about life and health to live to see the good which is to come. Let those that seek after my soul because I man is free wrap themselves in a web of shame I will never again let them disturb my peace.<br /><br />Yea thou I man walk through the valley of the shadow of dead I man have no fear for Jah is with I and I.<br /><br />I will lift up my eyes to the heaven from whence cometh my help in the warm embrace of arm of my father with I rest.<br /><br />I will sing songs of freedom to honor those that gave their life for me and me. In the shadow they left behind I can see myself rising strong.<br /><br />Lot wife will turn into a pillar of salts and her mighty army will fall. We will hold hands in hands and sing song of freedom to celebrated the falls of those that are send to destroy I man.<br /><br />Some time it takes me a while to write each blog I need at time to relax my mine from the demand of what my ego will say I need to do, just be neutral and free as a bird in a tree. Be the master of my faith and the captain of my soul.<br /><br />Yes we are still doing Birkam Yoga, Sonia do a lot more than me, Sonia is now able to center her mine and focus. Yes my friend a strong determination that I myself is shock at the self discipline she now gain from Birkam Yoga.<br /><br />Life is a journey and nothing in life is more important that your breath. Only you or I can save ourselves from any and all unnecessary confusion that other would like to place on us. You can help someone cross the river and them they will push you in the river so you have to be very careful of all the ungrateful ones. None will ever push i man in any more river.<br /><br /> In my business a lot of people will try to tell me what they did for me, yet they forget to tell me what I did for them.<br /><br />Not only I man Spear but all of the reggae musicians did so much for so many yet we gain the least. I just laugh when they say such things. They need to buy a copy of Jah Is Real and play Wickedness.<br /><br />In your life never let any use words to convince how much you should trust them. Always go with the feeling you have inside, release your fear and embrace life. Mr. Garvey never have any fear. Surrender to life knowing that you are on your journey and learn to accept the things you cannot change. Force nothing my friend, just be calm and stay strong.<br /><br />Jah Is Real, we can make it if we try.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-1084050212837576692008-09-27T19:20:00.000-04:002008-09-29T19:38:01.346-04:00Life Is A JourneyWe are asking Mega Force/Missi Callazzo to please find it in her heart to leave us alone at this time. Life oh sometime sweet and sometime sour, yet it life and we all have to accept the sweet and the sour as this is balance. For the past three years I and Sonia have been on a journey of life like no other, little did we know what we were being prepared for? I have read the many post and good wishes everyone send my way, and I must say thank you. I start to write this journey many times and stop. I have always said your life is no different from my life, and I too face all the things you face in your day to day life. I often struggle to understand why would anyone find the needs to hurt another? How can anyone gain pleasure in sending pain to another for no reason, in the end what will they achieved from doing this is a question I ask.<br /><br />I learn that only the good die young and we must all stay focus on living our best life yet, let those that feel they are hurting you and I by trying to control things keep going they too will find their end of the rainbow. Life is no longer about them it’s now about what really important, I have face and seen Sonia had to make a decision about her only child Kevin and my adopted son. We had no idea he would be diagnose with brain tumor that was hernination. I and my friend watch as they told Sonia that Kevin was brain dead, and would not survive surgery. She inform them to let him go keep him comfortable, she know Kevin would not want to live his life a vegetable. Then another surgeon came in and asks to give him a chance to operate since Kevin is young. She says no at first fearing that he wouldn’t survive the surgery base on what she was told at first. Well Kevin survive the surgery and was able to walk out of the hospital, he is not out of the wood yet and will face many challenges if and when the tumor grows back, Kevin is a very strong and brave young man that have accept whatever Jah have in store for him.<br /><br />Right now I and Sonia have no time to waste on Mega Force and all those that are out to hurt us because we decided to go our way and be free and independent, We have never owe anyone any money, in fact it’s the opposite they owe us money have created major problem in order not to pay us. Yet the more they try to destroy us the more we survive. Is money so important to them that they will do anything to gain it? To roll in the mud to keep what not there to keep. Building problem when there are no problem, I say again I am making clear that none will never control Burning Spear music again, and in time all what mines will come home, nothing never happen before the time.<br /><br />Jah is so real to I man in so many ways I can feel the love of the people of the world for Burning Spear, I want to sing for you my people and for Kevin each night I take the stage there are at time tears in my eyes not seeing Kevin by my side. When I sing Jah is real and you all join in I can feel the energy flowing. Yes the old Rastaman is overcome with emotion.<br /><br />Sonia is so brave and strong she encourages me to go on and sing my song, don’t worry about her and Kevin. How many tears have we shed together cannot be counted. I don’t think anyone can feel the pain of a mother, doing Birkam yoga have prepare Sonia to center herself, with focus and determination she stand strong.<br /><br />Oh how sweet the beat of the congas are to my soul, I have gone to the mountain top and see all those that die young. Bob Marley, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and many more. I am not questioning my Creator by asking why the good die young nor would I be selfish to hold on to someone that their journey on this Creation has ended. I will stick to the plan that Jah have set forth for I and my family, no weeping and wailing now as we all will meet at the bank of the beautiful river when our journey have ended. Oh when the sun goes down I will call on you, no stopping my brother and sister we must go soon.<br /><br />We live in a world that artificial fill will selfish needs to control life and dead at the expense of those we love, we will allow them at time to go through painful treatment that will destroy the quality of their lives out of our needs to see them. All what I have face this past few days have change me in a way I cannot explain right now. I have to say don’t be afraid to say I love you to your family and friends learn to let go when you know in your heart it’s time to let go, don’t be selfish and watch your love one suffer just to please you. Know in your heart that life is a journey accepts the birth as much of death, this journey is a bit different base on what I and Sonia and Kevin face this moment in time. The strength I see in Kevin have made me strong.<br /><br />I ask Mega Force to just please leave us alone at this time. All of the nonsense has gone on for too long; I am asking anyone that knows this lady to encourage her that the time is not right now for what she continues to do. Nothing in life is worth what she has done to us, her obsession with Sonia must stop give Sonia some peace right now she is going through a lot, and you know Sonia never did you any wrong, I Burning Spear beg you to leave us alone. You don’t know us and if it was not for Ryko our path would never meet. I know Jah is real and he will help I and I to overcome the devil.<br /><br />One Love<br />Peace Jah is RealUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-3590987399555453272008-08-17T19:17:00.000-04:002008-10-01T19:26:27.786-04:00Grand FatherFirst I must say Happy Earth Strong to Marcus Mosiah Garvey this day I celebrate and so honor to be chosen to keep the memory of this great leader alive. Marcus Mosiah Garvey was a great speaker a man way before his time, now all of his words are coming to pass.<br /><br />My morning started with a phone call to my brethren and we both shout out at the same time Happy Earth day to Marcus Garvey and how grateful we are for the words he left us. Sonia was in the office crying I ask why you are crying. She say "Spear I cannot believe we make it through to see today and to read the poem Emanuel posted on the forum that Marcus Garvey wrote,” slowly she read the poem to me. After a discussion on the poem and a bit of refection we both when to our Bikram Yoga class. Before we leave she put up the song Grandfather from the new Album Jah Is Real on the MySpace site and I hang the black/ red and green flag on my front door.<br /><br />Yes I am proud to be a man of 63 years old and to be gray, I don’t have any intention to pretend that I am in my thirty I accept my age and his happy to be myself. No dye for me to look younger than I am.<br /><br />Every day I get request from bands wanting to open for me at various shows, and it often puzzle me, why I never get request on how we can come together to strength the distribution of our music or to ask how am I doing. I and my partner work hard every day to stay independent and we faces many challenges, yet we stand strong . What I learn none can do anything for you that you cannot do for yourselves. Just like the person that pretend to be a journalist so he could get promotion CDs to sell on EBay before the released date, we live in a world of where people are chosen wealth over knowledge and it is causing them more than what they gain. Anything that come too easy with cause you shame in the end. If you cut the line and jump to the front of the line in the end you will be right back at the back of the line where you belong in the first place. Life is a journey with many twist and turn and you will always ended up right back where you start from. Is this person that rush to eBay to make money from Jah is Real hurting Burning Spear or himself. I say he is hurting himself look what happen to so many record label and companies that the tide turn on, It too will turn on the entire illegal Pirate, and If you are not a part of the solution then you must be a part of the problem.<br /><br />These are the words that Jah have Emanuel posted this morning to remind Sonia and me just to be calm, and keep cool, Keep cool no matter what come our way. You can read more on the forum.<br /><br />Suns have set and suns will rise<br />Upon many gloomy lives;<br />Those who sit around and say:<br />"Nothing good comes down our way."<br />Some say: "What's the use to try,<br />Life is awful hard and dry."<br />If they'd bring such news to you,<br />This is what you ought to do.<br />Chorus<br />Let no trouble worry you;<br />Keep cool, keep cool!<br />Don't get hot like some folk do,<br />Keep cool, keep cool!<br />What's the use of prancing high<br />While the world goes smiling by.<br />You can win if you would try,<br />Keep cool, keep cool.<br /><br />From the hands of this young lion in Sweden Jah send us a message. He knew that our way will be long and the road is still going to be foggy but he will be I and I eyes sights.<br /><br />Both Sonia and I never thought our live would be touch by so many wonderful people. Jim and George thanks for sticking with us through the good time and the time we call learning time, As Kevin would say Daddy college don’t come free, you have to pay your tuition and earn your degree.<br /><br />Marcus Garvey and all the great men and women that fought for our rights knew that we cannot have any fear. None can hold any power over you or me if we don’t allow them to do so. I have seen and hear the so call strong cry and the so call weak smile. Anyone that seeks wealth over knowledge cannot gain the happiness this earth has to offer.<br /><br />I am truly blessed because Jah Is Real will leave from my hands into your hands. On this day august 17,2008 I Burning Spear present Jah Is Real to you this is the day I will always remember, I will follow in the foot step of Marcus Mosiah Garvey to be self reliance , I will not compromise and will stick to the plan because I am grassroot. Jah is Real will make history for the first time I record an album that took a life unto its own. Jah had position all the players he wanted in line. The sea and the river became a part of his plan, the Creator wanted to show both you and I that he is real, and we should never have any fear or doubts his plan for us.<br /><br />Mr Garvey break the cycle of fear and he didn’t care, I Burning Spear will keep cool, keep cool.<br /><br />Jah Is Real and he will help me to overcome the devil.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-35876997628359584922008-07-12T19:35:00.001-04:002008-10-01T22:58:56.062-04:00Finally I Will Reap What I SowFirst I must say greeting to all the people of the world, I attempt to write this journal about three times, and couldn’t find the words to express myself to you the way I wanted to. So I retreated until Jah send me the words. After more than 37 years in the music business I will finally reap what I sow, it was a lesson in strength and determination to stay the course no matter what. I couldn’t envision what was coming my way in form of the fear and intimation and extortion of money and destruction of property by a few in the music business. These unconscious ones left no stone unturned to destroy my business because they could no longer reap all the fruit of Burning Spear labor. One thing they forget was to have an exit plan; they had the power of a big record label advising as what to do, so they never thought they would have the need for an exit plan. To them we would simple go away, little did they know we would stand strong.<br /><br />This is not a fight about money for us it’s about integrity and honesty, equal /rights for all, None should ever had to endure what we when through without a cause, and the entire world need to know about it, if we remain silent and don’t speak up either in blog or journal and other media this system of intimation will continue against reggae artist.<br /><br />So many of my peer or no longer with us, and never got the chance to reap what they sow we are the foundation of reggae music and we desire to be treated with respect. We have alright to say no, and that no should be taken and honor just like any other no. we are they that being through great tribulation to bring the music to the people, and yet we made nothing from it. What I learn from all of this is to be patience and not force anything allows nature to takes it course and everything will fall into place at the right time.<br /><br />I no longer ask why? I see why. My partner and I never mine standing alone; we accepted all the twist and turn that came our way. Jah send many to stand at our right hand, and to gentle guide us on this mission.<br /><br />This day I received the first shipment of Jah is Real what a joy it was to open the first CD and to play it, we had tears of joy in our eyes, Just knowing that this Cd will never be in anyone warehouse made us cry. We reflect on Our Music and The Never remix all the work we put into those albums and never received a cent even though we manufacture and paid for everything. Many are amaze how we endure to make Jah is Real<br /><br />some even say Burning Spear is a million heir, I Burning Spear is not a million heir I am not a rich man, just a Rastaman. Jah is so Real to I man, he always provide all I need just at the right time. No power stronger that the power of love, and humbleness. Jah can make a weak man strong; don’t think for one moment that Jah did not make me weak just to make me strong again. Mistake carries no face, and I have made mistake and paid the price. We are all one people on our journey of life we will slip and fall, the choice we make are how long we take to rise up from the ground and dust ourselves off , accept the torch of life and shine brighter than before.<br /><br />Don’t let yourself be intimidated by other people words, or look for approval from anyone but the Creator. We must know who we are, and what our purpose here is on Jah creation. To please other and make ourselves unhappy? Or to close out the unnecessary desire of others, and say yes to our life. Changes are a part of life, and we must embrace changes. After all what have happen to I and my family in the past three years, they never expect us to survive, and for I man to still continue in this music business, and to build one of I man best album in 10 years.<br /><br />I never got swell headed and run away, as you all know I am taking Bikram yoga, and Sonia and her friend all are waiting for the old man to take a knee and sit on the mat, so we all have a joke about it. I have never succumbed to the heat in the room. While they at time have, and they are younger than I man Spear. I never lost my focus, and let my mind wander out of the room. Years of touring I have learn how to condition my mine and thoughts.<br /><br />The wood dry but it still heavy. I man sit on the rock in the center of the river where the sea and the river meet each other one hot and one cold yet they flow in perfect harmony. At times they bubble and splash against the rock right in the center of the root of the tree. The cover of Jah is Real I Spear is finally at peace for real. I made up my mine never to let anyone disturb my peace. I sit confident knowing Jah is Real we will now finally reap all we have sow in an abundance, our time have come and none cannot stop us now.<br /><br />I must say thank you to Brian Thorn and all the staff of magic Shop, for the love and respect they show I man Spear, Brian will always remain in my heart, and I know he will accomplish great things in this music business. Brain has a gift not many have, we are so much alike he knows that I Spear don’t like talking too much and he work right within my silent. What a gift this young man as. It did not matter what was going on outside the studio the moment I arrive at Magic shop and see Brian, we just when to work. Life has no accident and Jah Know I needed someone humble and meek.<br /><br />My fans are truly a fans on a mission they stick with us while we are on our journey, and I must acknowledge them for their hard work, yes Jim Rupert I Burning Spear would like to say thank you for getting us the information on the independent stores, to open our eyes to the many avenue available to us to get our music in the stores. What independent means to I man is freedom, and I thank you for being a fan on a mission. At last I am a freeman musically. No more crying my brother no crying no stopping, we must go through. And to all that send message of encouragement I thank you all so much and I looking forward for us to making history on August 17, 2008.<br /><br />Jah is real Burning Spear finally will reap from what he sows this release will be in honor of all those that were willing to fight for the rights of all people to be free without regards to race. Heroes were made out of the weak and humble, Jah made them strong; they had no problem standing alone. It did not matter if they were throwing into jail, or lost their life, they know they had a work to do. Any it did not matter what they had to endure. History can now recall those great man and woman that were willing to stand up for our rights.<br /><br />I must also say thank you to my lawyer Mr. Percy for believing in us, and standing strong with us. I must tell you a bit about Mr. Percy. We had consulted many lawyers we wanted to make sure we were right and not dreaming. Everyone was shock and couldn’t believe this case was for real. So when they try to silent Sonia by filing claims that she threaten them without telling the entire story of what they did to us, and that Sonia was only defending herself against them, Jah send Mr. Percy. Sonia at first did not trust anyone and wanted to be left alone. Mr. Percy call her and she hide from him. Then he call me and say Spear tell your wife to call me I don’t want any money I want to clear her name. She was setup and it’s not right, and I will do this for nothing if I have to. Tell her to stop hiding and call me I am not going to allow her to ruin her name, I understand what happen and its wrong. So here again Jah send someone to stand with us, Mr... Percy is a strong man that believes in equal rights for all. He did not care that my name was Burning Spear to quote Mr. Percy “ I am glad I am not from the music world” so I come to this case fresh and clear, my job is to get justice for you and your wife and I will. They had no exit Plan, but Jah had one for us.<br /><br />Wow the time flies fast thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you.<br /><br />Jah is real.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-78357060187559992322008-06-18T22:30:00.004-04:002008-10-02T12:34:10.208-04:00I will never look back in the raceNo way after I and Sonia when through so much would I allow any record label to distribute Our Music. Yes the challenge we face was many, and none step in but you the fans to give us a helping hand, yet we made it through. Nothing in life is impossible if you only believed. Plenty were happy and celebrating our misfortunate with Mega Force. They did not know that Jah had a plan for I man Winston Rodney. The lesson I learn from Mega Force is just what I need to continue on my journey to be a freeman musically. If they can sell our music them we can sell our music even better. Step by step all the boundaries will be remove.<br /><br />It's a new day in the record industry it will take a while for a few to accept the changes. In time they will. I cannot tell you how happy I am to know that my records are not in anyone warehouse they are in my warehouse. I choose who I sell to some people I don't sell to, they have no respect for music and reggae artist and I don't need them as a customer. The old guys are all lost and have done so many wrong to reggae artist now they are getting a feed back. We have graduate with high honors in this music business. It's our music and we will not refuse it.<br /><br />Let talk about more positive things like Jah is Real album. Finally we have chosen the right PR person for the job. This is a young man that talks with us. I told him some in the media will embrace this new Cd and some will not. It carries a reality message to the people of the world. I will let him introduce himself to the media with his press released so I will not mention his name here. As you also can see we have a new EPK up me and Michael from Global Video work on it. We wanted something bright to show the world Jah is real. Michael is like Brian we just work great together, they have so much respect for the old Rastaman. We also edited a behind the scene to feature all the musicians that work on the album.<br /><br />As you must know by now I will be doing a few dates to support the album. One person asks me Spear why you are going to Omaha. I say because of George he have work hard to spread Burning Spear music in Omaha, he is always a fan on a mission with so much passion for I man music. George and I don't do it for the money we do it for the love of music. If you notice you will see George flyers for his show everywhere. George do is weekly record store check of Burning Spear Cds in his area to all of you these are enough reason for I man to go to Omaha. We are still on the mission of happiness so each and every day you can smell the wonderful scents of Sage through my house.<br /><br />Sonia is still on her mission with the running and most of all the Bikram Yoga, and I am jogging four days a week to get in shape for those shows. Together I am Sonia are working to build the world of happiness we want and not the world other people want for us. Letting love and laughter in our life is a blessing. Life is to Live, love and laugh that the sign at the door of the Yoga room. No I am not going with Sonia to that hot Yoga class. That I will past on. I can see how it changes her life and I am happy for her. She is the one everyone turns on because they cannot turn on me. I see her brushing them off her shoulder all the time.<br /><br />It's a new beginning for us both personal and work wise, and I hope it's also for you. The only think that matter is for us to live and love each other and never to let our life be rule by fear. We cannot please everyone, and to say yes to something that we know we should say no to we are not being true to ourselves.<br /><br />Humble yourself and quiet your mine and learn to live in the moment only.<br /><br />Let continue to share this positive vibes of Love and peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-83162675994249681482008-06-16T19:37:00.001-04:002008-10-02T12:37:28.910-04:00Power Of FocusOh yes my friends Jah is Real; I see it and feel his power every day. Never would I think I would be doing Bikram Yoga, I have never done any form of Yoga class, and at first I was close minded. Now I just cannot explain to you this new feeling Jah send to me. And the lesson I am learning in how to truly surrender, and the important of keeping an open mind. Only with an open mind can we learn new things, and discover our true selves. We are never too old to learn and every bow will have a time when they will bend. If I did not decided to slow my life down and spend more time at home I would never have the opportunity to discover Bikram Yoga. As you all might not know I man is a bit laid back and at time very shy unless I am on stage. Not Sonia she is more outgoing and not afraid to tried new things. It was Sonia that talks me into Bikram Yoga. I had to thank her for talking a stubborn man like me into something new. I did 10 class straight, and I feel great. After years of playing soccer and running my joints are not the same. Now I will not let her talk me into running any marathon.<br /><br />It was also Sonia that met this young man at Jam Cruise that led us to Bootsy and Bernie. Life has a way of bringing thing to you that you need just at the right time. Jah know that Bootsy and Bernie had to play on Jah is Real album. So many people come into you and I life and once there work is done then they will move on. The Creator is the only one that can set that time, not I or you. I and Bootsy and Bernie are from a more historical school of music that will take the younger generation time to understand.<br /><br />I so want the journals to be healing both for you and me. Let’s reason about the word focus, how important is it for you and I to be focus even in times we consider challenging to us. Focus means to never take your eyes off the person you are, no matter what anyone might definite you has. To make up your mine to be present at all times in your life and to make each breath you take be your point of focus. Look at yourselves in the mirror, make eye contact slow your pace and say hello to you. Never let anyone shake your focus and make you weak. Stand strong, tall and proud just to be you.<br /><br />So many times I read the comment you all post and I am truly touch at the love each and everyone send my way. I am so happy I am a part your life musically. This journal came about as a way for me to reach out to you to let you know my life is no different from your life, we are all one people. Yes in a way I have been change by the action of a few, but I never lose my focus. The greatest gift anyone can receive is the gift of health and long life, don’t let society convince you otherwise. And to achieved that you have to be focus and not attach yourself to anyone that will drain your energy. Seek and you shall receive all the happiness you desired. Build your world with love and laughter and focus on the joy you feel inside of you.<br /><br />I man Spear Step it strong without out ego or force, just focus on Jah plan. Silent your ego if it rises focuses yourself to be the observer in your life.<br /><br />Remember it’s a long way around the wood dry but is still heavy let’s rock in time.<br /><br />One Love peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-17837017350236909132008-06-15T22:32:00.001-04:002008-10-02T12:45:15.938-04:00First I must say greetings to all the people of the worldFirst I must say greeting to all the people of the world, I too are now doing Bikram Yoga. Yes after seeing how it changes Sonia life and all the benefit she was getting from it. I let her talk me into it. Oh what a blessing .This was my first time ever doing any form of Yoga? I feel great, and plan to continue doing Bikram yoga along with a jogging program. While in the park on Saturday morning running Sonia came running fast, up to my slow jogging fill with emotion shouting "Spear look at this it's time for me to speak up now the silent sign just remove itself from my neck, Jah is Real we need not be silent anymore. It does not matter if we stand alone the spirit will stand with us." All the damages were done to us, it was not something we ask for it was part of our education, and those responsible must face up to their responsibility. And a message to those waiting in the wings I have no desire or would ever work with any more record label or distribution label. I am my own distribution label. The name is Burning Music Production/ Burning Spear Music.<br /><br />In life many people want to reach the top fast, the faster you reach the top the faster you will fall. It's always better to start from the bottom slowly and steady and you will win the race. Many are still amaze at how I am able to survive in this music business even after such great what they would consider lose, the universe have a way to teach us and to bring us all we need in just the right time. Patience is what we need to have, nothing never happen before the time. Patience work with determination, know what your goals are and to be determine to wait patience work hard until you reach your goal. The race is never for the swift but to the one that endured. Honesty and integrity will win every time, no matter what don't lose sight of honesty and integrity. Do all your business action with honesty and integrity and you will never be in any kinds of wants. Anyone that chooses to be dishonest it's a choice they make that in the end they will lose more than what they have gained. And they will spend the rest of their life looking over their shoulder and worrying .Knowing that the universe is on to them and they will have to paid back there debt in full.<br /><br />Let also touch the word trust, I must be honest I am having problem trusting people; I sing the song about trust on Freeman. I got tired of people telling me to trust them and when I do, they teach me lesson in not to trust. Over the past year I really see how important that word was. Giving the wrong people confident that you trust them can be dangerous; you and I can trust them the problem is they cannot trust themselves. It's so strange how you will see the red flag waving tell you don't trust that person, never ignore a red flag. Red Flag are there to protect you from making big mistake that will cause you emotional pain. No matter what the consequence will be don't ignore the red flag.<br /><br />Are you ready for Jah Is Real I am calling on all my 39,000 MySpace fans to join with me on August 17, 2008 to buy a copy of Jah Is Real on this day? I say yes we can make Jah is Real one of the biggest and fastest selling album for Burning Spear. I Burning Spear believe in having real musician playing on albums, the way it should be. By dishonest people that burn and sell artist CDs for cheap they are helping to take food away from musician. Don't buy bootleg I would rather you ask me to send you a free copy and them you recommend a friend to buy a copy. Don't forget nothing in life is ever for free, somehow the universe will find a way to make you pay. On August 17, 2008 the area that sound scan the most I have a surprise for that State.<br /><br />I say it again you the fans are the force behind Burning Spear we are the roots of the Grass.<br /><br />Marcus Garvey words come to pass, many times I wonder off to that beautiful place where the sea meets the river in perfect harmony.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-61242635644101852242008-05-17T19:45:00.002-04:002008-10-02T12:46:44.553-04:00My Journey of LifeTo all the wonderful people I meet on my journey of life I salute you and feel so bless for the connection we share. Many might wonder why I man write this breaking news? I wanted to show the people of the world that my life experience was no different from theirs and how I too had to reach from within myself to find the strength to face the lesson I had to learn.<br /><br />Yes I say lesson because that all it was we needed education and that what we got. To quote a friend "Spear in this music business artist have to be very careful of who they come in contact with , a lot of people that will get in touch with you for all the wrong reason, its full of people that want to take artist money for doing nothing. And are happy to give themselves titles.<br /><br />When I see what they was doing with your name and Sonia name on the internet how they try to rewrite your history to make it as they wanted I say wow if they could do that to you ,them I have to be careful of any business contact with them. I and everyone in this business know that what they were saying about you, Was them telling us about themselves"<br /><br />. I Burning Spear say any man or woman can write anything they want about us, we don't care it's their words on paper that can be erase, but what Jah have written about them will never be erase, it's not on paper it will be written in stone.<br /><br />When I man was working on the Our Music CD my spirit was broken I remember Sonia saying Spear go to the park and run. Go where you can reason with nature and I remember running and suddenly I was asking His Majesty when will I may be discharge from this duty.<br /><br />Now while working on Jah is Real I found the answer. Each day was like a new day full of energy, I met Brian the young humble engineer with so much respect and love for I man. Together we work in total silent Brian is just like I man he don't talk too much.<br /><br />What I man learn in life the less you talk the more you gain, for Jah is Real album I make sure to write my own liner notes and keep things the way the Creator wants it. Together I and Sonia work with this talented young man to create the album cover for Jah is Real. No ego involve we just work and share ideas as one and it show in the cover as you will soon see. Now we are in the process of doing the EPK.<br /><br />We will not include any behind the scene on the album; we will post various footage of the making of Jah Is Real on the website only. As you have already hear we release the song Cruise to give you a taste of what to come.<br /><br />Now we also did a remix of the song Step In, this remix was done by Mr. Hardgroove. Step In is the song that I man talk with my fans and I could sense Jah wanted more to come out of this song, so here again he send Mr. Hardgroove to accomplish what he wanted.<br /><br />Look at all we were able to achieve while learning life lesson can we every have any doubt in our mine that Jah Is Real. We took the negative and turn it into a positive and you can too. Never give up on your dreams and what you want for yourself.<br /><br />Be careful of what you allow to enter into your mine, don't allow anyone to create the world they want for you. Fear proof your life to create the world you want for yourself, become the observer "to quote Joseph Bailey from the book Fear Proof Your Life "It is the ability of being able to observe ourselves that allows us to make wise choices"if a person cannot make wise choices for themselves them they cannot make wise choices for you are Me.<br /><br />We have learned the power of the word No. and have embraced the power of yes for ourselves. Now we must free ourselves of fear, and surrender all to the Creator, trust him to take care of everything for you and me. It doesn't matter what name you call him there is only one Creator for all of us, and we must trust him if we cannot trust him them who can we trust.<br /><br />Be aware of the danger of your ego, I am now so focus to catch my ego in action and to quickly silent it. And return myself calmly to the center and clear my thought to gentle relax, and never to react to things that are coming my way that beyond my control. To the entire sister out there Sonia has added Bikram Yoga to her running. This is Yoga done in a heated room of 150 degree, I have watch as the smile return to her face, as we now embrace happiness by learning to say No. Thank you so much for allowing me to share these words with you. Jah is Real.<br />I and I will Never get swelled and Run away, we come to stayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-92183390369247697042008-05-10T19:40:00.003-04:002008-10-02T12:48:32.094-04:00Jah Is My DriverI must say I will start this journal with a note I received from one of the promoter of Jazz Fest. This note was send to Sonia.”I trust you had a lovely time in Louisiana last weekend. We were all truly blessed by the healing vibe Burning Spear brought our city thank you, peace”. I Burning Spear was bless by the healing vibes of both Jazz Fest and Festival International De Louisiane. Jah kept the rain away for I man performance. To quote one lady “Burning Spear the people of Louisiana did their African chant to keep the rain away for you it work”. I say Jah is Real, and he is I man driver.<br /><br />As you all must know by now I man when to NARM a music convention in San Francisco,CA, the moment the word got out that Sonia and I would attend this convention they start to email and telephone all whom they could to find out information, yes they pump up the so call heat.<br /><br />Sonia and I joke if they could have prevent the plane from carrying us they would. We make sure not to response to all the attention they was giving us, and most of all we didn’t discuss our game plan with anyone. Wow what a favor they did us by giving us so much attention ahead of time everyone wanted to meet Sonia they have heard so much about her base on post on website and from email and wanted to see this Sonia that was willing to stand up to so many to protect the rights of Burning Spear.<br /><br />NARM is all about music and these people love music and not drama, and most of all they all work at some record label or the other so they know the dirty tricks that was going on. And was happy to see us at NARM to represent our record label this was the first time any reggae artist every represent himself at NARM. We made history and everyone wanted to be a part of this history.<br /><br />by attending NARM we show the music industry that we were serious about our desire to be free musically and was not worried if they choose not to work with us base on he say she say we were not going to change our mine and was sticking to our plan. Most of all we wanted to learn the distribution side of the music. As you all know education is the key. By being honest and spoke from our heart it works for us. In your day to day life don’t worry yourselves over what other will do against you, let them because in the end they will end up destroying themselves.<br /><br />Sometime Sonia and I are so amaze at how thing just work out for us that why I name the new CD Jah Is Real. The race is never for the swift but the smart for the one that know himself as a winner, I can feel from within myself as a winner the, first winner must be I. Most people are chasing riches to be happy and they will do whatever it take to get money and power ,I man is chasing health and true happiness that can only come from the Creator. Jah have always provide all I need to survive. Have you ever notice how people can build fear in order to gain control of you and me if we allow them. Let ask ourselves what is fear?<br /><br />I say fear is ego base and don’t exist unless you create it in your mind, never let fear enter your thought for one moment. and if it does because we are all human being just relax and light a sage or incense and meditate until the fear is gone, my friends I have feel your love for I man and at times I am truly humble Jah send each and every one of you to protect the old Rastaman. I want to motivate you just as you have motivate me from 1969 until this time. I want to hold your hands in my hands and say to you no matter what you are feeling right now don’t worry yourselves.<br /><br />Accept right where you are at this moment in time if its good accept it and if it what we consider bad let work on changing it. Come up with a plan for your life that will bring you only happiness. My way is long and the road is foggy foggy so Jah is I and I eyes sight. Yes Jah have brighten my vision so I can see from a distance. Don’t look back on your loses now, you and I will gain more than we have lost. Free yourself from any form of addiction, don’t attach yourself to any crutches.<br /><br />I always love going to Jamaica to hear the sound the birds make and to see the star in the sky at night that never tell any lies. I have found my path where the sea meets the river one hot and one cold. Yet they flow into each other. Let me take you for a ride down Negril where true love can abide.<br /><br />Love the word love it means so much, let imagine that we are love and look over yonder to the sea meeting the river washing away all our fear.<br /><br />Yes Jah is Real One love peace, and remember the silent sign. You can learn more by being silent than talking too much.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-42791063028566523242008-03-30T00:32:00.003-04:002008-04-04T01:02:39.777-04:00He Say, She Say Means Nobody SayGreeting to all the people of the world. As I sit here to write this journal I would like each and everyone to think about those words. So many times we let our lives become affected by what other people say when we know we should not. So now let us all just agree that "he say, she say" means nobody say and the next time someone enter your life with what he or she say just close the doors of your heart and send the "he say, she say" messenger on its way. Just a simple reply like the spiritual master: “Is That So.”<br /><br />Let's reason for a second in life. There are no accidents and everything that happen is for a reason whether it be good or what we consider bad. There are no bad experience, it is how we respond to the events.<br /><br />I know for sure Jah Is Real. On Wednesday I went into the city to pick up a piece of equipment I left at Magic Shop studio. We decided to get something to eat but the restaurant was not ready until 5 PM so Sonia and I decided to take a walk. First this man chased me down breathless to ask me if I was Burning Spear. I reply yes. He say: "I know it was you just by the way how you walk." He then gave me such a blessing in his greeting I man was touch with emotion. As we continue on our journey we came across this book store that sell sage and incense and many meditation items, this is where I was to be, we brought several items. I have been on this block so many times and never see that book store because the time was not right.<br /><br />We all have to believe in the power of love. So many time people thinks happiness come from having things and money and they always want to be in someone else shoes. As you all know one size never fits all. What someone think they might be doing to so call hurt you or I might turn out to be the best things they could ever have done. And if we don’t react to them they have no power over us. And it all become their situation, not yours or mine. Everything just come and goes, nothing goes on for ever.<br /><br />“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow it empties today of its strength” - Corrie Ten Boom.<br /><br />I too now search for books that will give I man insights on things just like fans will search for I and other artist records. We have to support the positive message whether it be in form of music or books.<br /><br />“You can never step in the same river twice” - Heraclitus.<br /><br />As the water keep flowing for I man Winston Rodney I have no regrets about my musical life. I have always say it. I never wanted to be a star, that was not my goal. Jah choose I man to spread his message in form of music; the work of His Majesty must be done.<br /><br />Humble yourself my children humble yourself my little ones. Freedom must come from all the wars of the world, your sacrifice will not go in vain. We all know that war is no good, too many youths are dieing who is at fault is a question I man ask. We are all the Lion and Lioness in Jah Kingdom so Zion I awake and let us fill our spiritual lamp with oil of love and peace because the wise man will knock at our door and we must be ready to love like we mean it.<br /><br />If I man never do another live performance it is ok. I am not chasing down anything at sixty three years old. I don’t feel like I am left out of anything. My bags are now always packed and at the door for Jamaica. Jah have now take me on another side of the business to control my music and to set things up so I man music will be free from all record labels. I am putting this in writing so that even when I and Sonia journey on this earth is over no record label will be allow to exploited the music I own on my labels. It will simply stop selling. I will not leave it to the next generation to make that decision. They might not be as strong as I and Sonia. The price we paid for freedom was very high but well worth it. There will be no compromise in my desire to be free musically.<br /><br />I hope my fans will understand how my heart fill with emotion for them, and how they have bless my life with so much love. I want to say this now so I will not forget. I love you all for loving I man Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear. Let me not wait till tomorrow to say this, let me say it now while I am in the moment of peace and blessing you all gave me. Yes these moments that tears flow from I man eyes to reflect on your love for I man without compromise. I say it's never good bye but hello to the ones that love like they mean it.<br /><br />One Love. Peace. Keep The Spear Burning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-9992616653446552002008-03-23T15:25:00.001-04:002008-10-02T12:58:25.765-04:00I Have To Share This StoryAs I sat to write this breaking news I have to share this story with you and honor two person that have work so hard for reggae music yet their names are never mention. Sometime over the winter Sonia got a call from Russell Gerlach volunteering to help her get The Burning Spear Experience out to the both radio and press media.....<br /><br />Sonia reply to Russ only to those you know who will play the music. We have lost all faith in the radio and media world only a few still play real music. Russ and Sonia work it out and things were great,<br /><br />Them Russ decided to set up a few radio interview. Little did I know the events to follow. One of the interviews was with TK Smith, Russ and TK came over to visit us. I had the camera set up in my living room to interview everyone that enter my house, Sonia say" Spear you should interview TK," Russ ask the question and we had a really nice interview from TK. Tk his one of those radio DJ never forget a Burning Spear Earth day he make sure to celebrate this day with a phone call and I was happy to do an interview with TK that I play on my radio station. When we return from Jamaica Russell telephone Sonia to inform her that he had a lost in his family, I must say thank you Russ I know it was not easy for you these past few weeks we here at Burning Music production thank you and honor you for your strength and courage in this time. You have given reggae music a lot. Now back to TK, Russ also inform us of the passing of TK on March 16, 2008 at 40 years old. Words could not express the shock we felt, All I could say Jah Is Real , I have this young man interview expressing himself in such a positive way and I must honor him for his work in this music business that when unnoticed to some. R.I.P in peace my brother TK Smith...<br /><br />We are now working on the cover of Jah is Real album getting ready to decide on a released date. I man could never be more excited the energy on this album is for real.<br /><br />On the day I recorded the title track I remember crying I know someone was making the biggest sacrifice of her life for this music to be free and for I man Spear. I man is truly grateful to Jah for giving I man the wisdom and the words to sing. I know the Lion Of Judah shall break every chain and give I and I the victory.<br /><br />No way was this new album would end up in any other hands but mines. I will be the only one to sell this new studio work. Things and time have change, I say to you the people of the world you are the true hero behind the roots music. The power is in your hands.<br /><br />If on my space site I have over 36,000 friends and each friend buy one CD that will be over 36,000 CDs sold. I can send at least 10 person on a trip to Jamaica. You the people are the best PR out there for independent grassroots artist, The real power are in your hands, not in the hands of record labels or MTV and magazine.<br /><br />Artist are now running for their life from records labels and distribution labels they have treated artist so bad that none want to work with them. and the good labels are suffering for the bad ones. Pretty soon they all will be sitting in an empty office blaming each other for what is ahead of them.<br /><br />Times are changing and thanks to the internet many will be face with many law suit. And yes indeed they will end up paying millions to many artist that they simple take over there works and give themselves ownership.<br /><br />Again I say if I sell one record I am happy than to sell 30,000 and never get paid. We are not afraid to pack the CDs in our car and go from State to State and set up flea markets in every State if that what we must do. To avoid getting the wrong people in the contest we are moving a bit slow. We only need fans that would like a trip to Jamaica we are not hiring anyone to work with Burning Music. Spread the message in the music in your area and we will send you to Jamaica in fine style. Watch the behind the scene photo of Jah is Real shoot and you will see beautiful Jamaica. History will recall all you great fans that took matters into your hands. Jah Is Real ....<br /><br />Our Heart shall be as one, we stand strong ......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-68022367567281085352008-03-21T15:23:00.000-04:002008-03-28T15:24:28.367-04:00Thank YouHow can I say thank you enough to all the people of the world, On March 1 ,2008 I Burning Spear became 63 years old, The day started with a great fruit basket from my brethen Keith, that was the first sign of a successful day to come.<br /><br />Then Sonia and I headed off to Magic Shop studio with our heart feeling so bless, the night before I say to Sonia Birthday are not about big party for I man "Its a about life to be able to be here today ,and just to be healthy is enough for I man. What more can I ask for Jah have given I man more than I could dream for myself<br /><br />Sometime we say we are happy yet we are not happy because we base our happiness on other people or on the out come of things we let people drag us into to determine our happiness.<br /><br />Well I am happy and I have all intention to remain happy, this was my present to myself. I will live my life in the present moments, and keep my ego in check not to react to what others think I should react to.<br /><br />We arrive at Magic Shop to connect with Doug and Kirstin and Amy and Chris Daley and Brian to put the final touch on Jah Is Real. We were later joined by Sonny and Janet and brother Asher and Dave O'. Yes we had a listening party for these wonderful friends that take the time to join I man in the studio.<br /><br />Oh what wonderful gifts of meaning they brought with them. I could felt the thought they put into the gifts they bring for the old Rastaman.<br /><br />The energy was running high in Magic Shop Studio love and peace was every where,Yes I was really happy and relaxed, this was the first time I ever had a listening session for my fans, I wanted them to hear this new studio work, Jah Is Real. No this is not my ego I am just a proud servant of His Majesty that have stand the test of time.<br />With all the excitement in the studio Kirstin and her crew with Doug was able to work on the EPK, I made sure to remind Doug to wear his hat for the interview we did together, Kirstin and her crew stay focus they turn the studio into their own movie set. I am so sure I choose the right person for the job, Thank you Kirstin and crew for a wonderful job. You all are really talented.<br />So by now you must be wondering who won the dinner with I man ? Well it was Amy I was honored to have Amy with I man in the studio her postive vibes and kind words her true love for Burning Spear music make her a fan to be honor.<br /><br />I must also mention Sonny and Janet that took the time to be with us. I was not able to go to dinner because I had to work with Chris Daley on the mixing of Jah Is Real so Mrs Rodney sit in for me. From what I hear they all had a wonderful time. Finally we have completed Jah Is Real the album was mix by Chris Daley in Magic shop. I must give a special thanks to Brian for working with I man side by side in Magic Shop studio we made magic Brian,<br /><br />WE all tease Brian about Jah Is real album we say its Brian baby ,and now he have to let her go to the world. Brian I say son Jah Is Real and you truly are the future of the music, never lose that innocent and patience you have. I admire you for not possessing any form of ego, Stay strong Jah Is Real. The world will embrace our baby with love.<br /><br />Oh what wonderful harmonies I had on Jah Is Real, yes lady Peachena and her choir did it again with love, The sweet sound of their voices light up Magic shop,Thank you Lady P for your prayer, it was truly healing to Sonia, My sister with prayer and faith we will move mountain Jah brought us all togather on Jah Is Real for a reason,<br /><br />Sisters are touching sisters with prayers healing of the spirite and soul, Oh so much love coming from the heart of great women determine to be strong and to support each other. They are hearing the silent cry that are coming from the soul of their sisters ,and are answering back with prayers.and a warm embraced.<br /><br />I must say thank you all for the kind posts, I have to say this friend got it right about Burning Spear, yes I have never taken any loan from any record label, I owe none any money I was able to accomplish all by myself with the help of JAH always providing a way for Iand I . No matter what I face Jah Is alway there for I and I from 1969 until this time. I am the fittest of the fittest proud to be the african postman. Who Jah bless no man can curse I Spear is not the worse this orginial will stay orginial I will never look back . I have paid all my dues in this music business now at sixty three years old I am happy and free music wise, nothing never happen before the time. Thank you for your words.<br />Yes the contest is on for a trip to Jamaica we are looking at all the names and will be in touch with everyone to choose the right person for each State. Due to the fact we want none that looking for more that what we are offering. anyone seeking employment or other hidden request please dont apply . Only apply if you love Burning Spear music and would like to win a trip to Jamaica by spreading the message in the music.<br /><br />Tune in to Dave O" on Burning Sound at Live 365.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-32785133902192170452008-03-21T15:22:00.000-04:002008-03-28T15:23:27.682-04:00Jah Is RealGreeting to all the people of the world, Well I man just return from Jamaica we did a fantastic photo shoot in Jamaica for the cover of Jah Is Real. The photographer Alexei and his crew was wonderful to work with, we all had an amazing time in Jamaica. Eric Santiago I call him stylee make sure the old Rastaman look fresh. After the positive vibes in the studio I man was off to Jamaica relax and ready to finally capture the cover of Jah Is Real. I just could not wait for this photo shoot; I had finally seen the vision of what I truly wanted. The vibes was right we all were laughing talking it was just one happy family traveling to various locations in St Ann’s. To quote Alexei “Spear I want to capture you on camera like you has never being capture before”. Alexei choose all the location very carefully, and the weather was perfect. How can I explain how beautiful Jamaica is I am always amaze at her beauty, we found secret waters falls. On the final day of shooting Alexei found this beautiful water fall that run right into the sea. I could not believe my eyes at such wonder of nature. I am from St Ann, and I never know this exists. We found paradise, thank you Alexei and crew. We will post the behind the scene picture taken by Andrea in the photo gallery. see gallery 14<br /><br />I must also give a shout out to Sunny Boy and Krystal<br />Its always a healing feeling for I man went I go home, I have to always give thanks to His Majesty for all the blessing he as given to I man. Just to hear the sweet sound of the birds and see all the stars in the sky, and that breeze that blew so fresh and mild how can I let my thought run wild? The night before the final photo shoot Sonia was complaining about not going to the beach little did she know that we would end up in paradise on the final day, and Jah would lead us to this secret water falls where the river water meet the sea water. As she sit on the rock lost in moment Alexei say “Spear Sonia is stress but you know what I have some great photo of her”. Its not easy to be Sonia, I later told Sonia and she said “Spear I was just letting it all go in the river water and the sea just heal my soul, I am happy to be home”.<br />Its spring time again the bird start to build her nest right at I man door step. We have no idea if it’s the same bird. Just happy to know the bird feels safe to return home.<br /><br />Lets reason about touring for a minute,” I man don’t miss the road one bit I miss the fans but not the road. Its very important for any artist to take time for themselves. It’s a very hard life on the road for reggae artist. Words cannot explain how happy I am just to be home. Simple is home sleep in my own bed. As you can see I will work just make it very easy for myself and my band. Sonia is learning the distribution business very well and things are falling into place, yes it will take time but we are very patience. I man have no problem losing first ,win later. We are sticking to Jah plan not the plan of man that fill with greed and jealousy and egos. We are staying positive and put our trust In Jah Rastafari.<br />Kirsten is working on the EPK and we are gearing up to launch a new line of Jah Is Real t shirt and bags for the first time military jackets. The contest is on and we will be in touch with everyone that enters, together we will work to spread the message in the music. Jah Is Real coming soon. Bird at is quiet nest foxes in their hole man at his peaceful rest let give praise . . .. .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-70227971162177013102008-02-13T17:45:00.001-05:002008-02-17T00:12:15.041-05:00Mistake Carry No FaceHow many of us have make mistake in our lives and have handle things in a way it should never be handle? I have learned this from a book I am now reading “Whatever you fight you strengthen and what you resist persists. I am sure all of us can reflect to a time when we did not have to get almost naked to travel on an airplane, now you can’t even bring a bottle of water on an airplane. Each time you watch the news someone is taking out their anger on innocent people just shopping in a mall or school. The world today as we know it is changing. Everyone say they want peace yet some will go out of their way to create war. And “eye for and eye will leave the whole word blind.” I say I want peace so I must do whatever it take to have peace and that is what I am doing right now.<br /><br />Jah create this earth with his strength and Resistance and I know this. Do any of us truly have secrets and what are secrets? In life there are no secrets. Their was a time in I man life when I was young and fit I used to play soccer for hours and ran 14 miles almost everyday that why they used to call I man Rebe short for Creation Rebel.<br /><br />Anyone who knows I Winston Rodney will tell you I don’t like to talk too much. I am a man of few words, but when I talk I really talk. Many that claim to know me don’t know me and have never even seen me face to face. I don’t feel I have to defend myself. The work I have put in from 1969 until this time will speak for itself. I was blessed and given the ability to travel the world my passport tells the story. I am like the bird that has now settle in the nest old and grey but full of strength and energy.<br /><br />Each and everyday my mind reflect back to the young people I met in Kenya. Has any of them lost their lives in this tribal war? Will I be able to see them again? It’s like a moment in time just stop for my thought when it comes to Kenya. From one moment to the next we all have no idea what is going to happen to any of us. We must now be happy and live in the present. "Unconsciousness, dysfunctional egoic behavior, can never be defeated by attacking it”. "Even if you think you defeat your opponent, the unconsciousness will simply have moved into you, or the opponent reappears in a new disguise.” Those quotes were taken from the book A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. What do I really need to fight for to support my ego I cannot control what someone else think or feel about me? And I don’t have to wear any labels that anyone put on me.<br /><br />The crime they want to charge I man for I am not guilty it’s not possible. I am only following in the foots step of the honorable Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. I can only just imagine what those man had to truly endure to get the true message across to the people. How many people came among them just to distract them from there mission at hand? How did they really feel to stand up and fight for the right of our people and handle the many distraction? This make me truly wonder and see where I must find my strength and don’t feed into the distraction. I have no intention to become a part of any unnecessary fight about nothing.<br /><br />My way is long and the road is foggy foggy, Jah will be I and I eye sight, they and them that hate I they and them that fight against I some of them is judging I wrongfully but never mind my brother I will go on.<br /><br />How many could have endure the harsh treatment we face, the pure disrespect that you can see and feel when people cannot have control over your mind and thought and business? Let he that is perfect throw the first stone. I am in no way perfect I am just a man not a rich man, I am bless with riches of mind and thought.<br /><br />Some can't understand why I am still around. What make people love I man music so much? All I can say is think long and hard of any decision you make that you think will hurt anyone. When you think you have the perfect plan that you cannot go wrong, that’s when Jah will step in to humble each and everyone one of us. To some, labels like hypocrite and old liar is what they see in me and that ok. For them I will not try to change their minds or resist against them or direct my journal to them.<br /><br />None can kill this Lion. The Lion have a right to live. I come In Peace, old and free. One Love keeps the Spear burning.<br /><br />If you fling the Spear it will stick up, it will never fall.<br /><br />Give Thanks I am not the worseUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-75622593825427348252008-01-07T13:53:00.001-05:002008-02-17T00:30:08.962-05:00I Am Just A Man Not a Rich Man Just A RastamanAny truth anyone has please bring it out, I have nothing to hide and I also have no idea about this post, I will stay focus. Thank you to bring the truth out. I am not going there again. Please bring the truth out so the world can see it. I am happy to be a old lair now the world can see how angry and bitter your are at me for no reason. Jah know I am ready for all the your true to be know this way you will go away. And leave us alone for good.<br /><br />Those lyric come from I man new Studio work Jah Is Real. I have no idea why those lyric came to I man. For real I am just a man, I am not a star, and don’t want to be a star. I man is happy just to be simple and Free. Proud to be among the Dreads of society.<br /><br />If someone have told I man Winston Rodney that I would some day be call Burning Spear and travel all over the world, and sing music with a message I would say no way that would be possible. I man came from living underneath a cellar in Water Lane. And latter move to live by what now his Marcus Garvey lawn. We rise up from this little Island as messenger of His Majesty. I and I music came from what we were going through at that time of our life. Yes sufferation and starvation and discrimination from even our parents. So yes I Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear is just a man, I am not perfect neither do I want to be. I have no control over what the Creator do, His Majesty always find a way to protect I and I.<br /><br />So I say to all the young people of Kenya I thank you so much for your warm welcome, and the experience we share together, Please don’t let politics ruin your country stop the violence among each other. Love each Tribe. We have no idea what tribe we are from, we just know that we are Jamaican from African descendant.<br /><br />Politics and ego and greed are ruining the world today, everyone wants to be in control. And if they cannot have control over you them they go after you with a vengeance and find ways to turn you against each other or do their best to create fear among us. They want us to think and feel stupid. We must believe in ourselves as a people and a race that have been through great tribulation and survive.<br /><br />None ever gave us a chance in life. I have seen plenty people get chances in life yet they never appreciate it and turn around and disrespect it. I would hear my grandmother say that an animal never know the use of their tail until they lost it. I man Spear would like the people to know that we are part of the massive, and the massive is the majority, and the majority is the Dreads of society. We are they that have been through great tribulation upon tribulation in tribulation.<br /><br />Rastafarian is a way of life. A lot of people used that way of life to get attention and to go places and to meet people but not dealing with the true essence basing up on Rastafarian. I man Burning Spear have not desired to use the name of Rastafari to do what I know is wrong because I man is his Jah messenger.<br /><br />Marcus, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King was the earlier disciples that endured great tribulation and pave the way for I and I and they too was told that they were hypocrite and fake by many that did not understand them, or could not control them. Look how many time they put Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King in jail for standing up for their rights. In this time today we should be proud to stand up for our rights and to follow in the foot step of these great men.<br /><br />So yes come Let us recall these great man that were fighting for our rights. The price of freedom don’t come cheap, it come with many criticism, but in the end it all well worth it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-398119671578800122007-12-08T20:46:00.000-05:002008-01-16T12:14:57.669-05:00This Race Is Not for The Swift But For The SmartFirst I man must say greeting to all the people of the world, I man Burning Spear is so humble by this Grammy Nomination. It’s been a rough and tough years for I man, yet I know to accomplish what you want it take a very strong determination and hard work.<br /><br />I man must first thank you the fans and all the honest people in the music industry that believe in I man Burning spear from 1969 until this time. I man way is long and the road is foggy foggy. I never gave up because I man know Jah is I man eyes sight. I man will never get swell headed or run away. I Burning Spear am here to stay. I am the people choice and I man always say no force is stronger than the people.<br /><br />I man know I will not win the Grammy, but as an independent label that is artist own 100% I am truly humble and happy just to be nominated. This is an eye opener to all the artist out their that no matter what we all can stand on our own. And the music industry will recognize us for our hard work and determination. We have to practice how to stand on our own feet so we will be able to take care of things like health insurance and all our basic needs as we are getting older in time. None will be there to take care of us. People are there waiting just to take care of themselves, and there family. They don’t give a dam about us.<br /><br />In this music business you have to be very careful I Winston Rodney Aka Burning Spear knows that I man paid my dues as a messenger of His Majesty. The time is right for I man to reap all what I sow musically after enduring so much lost is that a crime is questions I man ask? I man will fret not myself over evil doers for very soon they shall be cut off and whither away like grass, so Jah said. So yes we have to tell them Yes we must shout it out loud and clear tell them that I man is free again. It better to sell one record and be paid than to sell a thousand and never get paid. I man have travel up the musical rough road for many years to find my bread, and have no intention of going up that rough road again at 62 years old.<br /><br />This old Rastaman will now take time for himself. I already pass through all the doors you can think of. Pretty soon I will give back the torch to the people, since they are the one that gave it to I man. I will give it back with respect and honor. So happy to be Jah messenger for the people of the world. My people I thank you for your years of support of Burning Spear. We have had some good time together in the venues, club and parks for years. I see you cry, I see you dance and I hear your screams of joy for I man music with a message. I am the Africa Postman that bring Jah telegram musical. So Jah say his work shall be done.<br /><br />At this time in I man life I will take time to travel the world without doing a concert. Maui was the first of such trip next I look forward to going to Africa not working. And yes I travel with I man camera, this is so much fun for I man to document my adventures. And man they are many adventures. For I man right now is to avoid all unnecessary confusion. I will stay focus on the positive and out with the negative. Look all what was done to I man yet I survive. I never commit any crime. Again I say no force stronger than the music. I am the people choice.<br /><br />What more can I say. Just that I man never sell out. Many respect to all the people of the world.<br /><br />One Love<br />Keep the Spear Burning<br />Lets stand strong with grass root promotion<br />Come In PeaceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-11056727071865115022007-11-03T20:51:00.000-04:002007-11-13T20:57:42.549-05:00This ExperienceFirst I man would like to say greeting to all the people of the world.<br /><br />As you all must know by now I man went to Jamaica to relax and to accept the honor of Order Of Distinction, From the start of this trip to Jamaica I know something was very different. What are the odds of I and Lee Scratch Perry been on the same flight sitting almost next to each other. Suddenly we were drawing the energy from each other especially Sonia she was sucking this experience up, not missing a beat. The flight became a pleasure even for the stewardess that was working the flight. There was bible reading and discussion with the stewardess and Mr. Perry. Jah have now sent a messenger on the flight to say his words that I and Sonia needed so much to hear. All the time the Creator send messenger to carry the message, we have no idea what package they will come in. some messenger come for a short time while others will stay around for a while.<br /><br />I must send a big respect out to Devon Evans for all the work he put into encourage Jamaica government to finally recognize the Old Rastaman, Its not about the honor its about the love of I man country, I man have travel all over the world, and have received the keys to many country, so it was nice to be in Jamaica to received this honor. I man almost did not go to Jamaica to accept this honor. I felt my country was heading in the wrong direction, and had truly forgotten us the legend of the music. Well here it come again Jah had a plan for I man. Little did I know I would meet the First lady Prime Minister of Jamaica Lady Portia Simpson Miller it was I man who say we need a First lady down In Jamaica Now high and behold I am in the present of this strong, beautiful queen of Jamaica, She put her arms on I man and say Burning Spear I know how you feel they don’t know you and the hard work you put in for all these years. I watch as tears flow from her eyes as she continue to anointed I man with her present, this was the healing I and Sonia needed ,and this was what the trip to Jamaica was all about. Both I and Sonia got what we came for. The face of courage and strength and determination was right in front of us this Lady gave her all to Jamaica, and faces many challenges yet she survived. Lady Portia remains strong, proud, and determine all the way.<br /><br />You cannot remain silent while people trample on your rights, for year reggae artist have been going through hell. None as any respect for us. Records label continue to collect our publishing, and royalty without paying us, even when agreements are up. Them when I man manufacture my own CDs and watch as this illegal Distribution label start to control all what mines. I decided I would no longer be silent’s. I was face with many threats of all what they will do to I and Sonia. I sit one Saturday morning as the owner of Mega Force call my home and had Sonia on the phone for almost 3 hours using racial intimation and all kinds of unnecessary confusion to avoid all her responsibility , declaring that we would never be paid, and she must destroy all the Cds that were in her and Sony/Red warehouse. The last email we received was to inform us that if we don’t stop posting what going on, we will be face with slanderous and libelous charges. I ask this question why is not this company is facing charges for fraud / destruction of property and for failure to pay for the sales of over 15,000 CDs between United States and Europe. Now who is more slanderous than the owner of that labels She when to the police station on a Sunday to file complaint on Sonia knowing all what she had done. She knew that base on what she had done, how many people could have had controls. The Fear was all hers. Yes Sonia lost her cool but any human been would. Like Sonia say anyone that know me know I am a shopper Alcoholic I like to wear fine clothes not prison stripes so all who and Missi was trying to put me in prison stripe sorry guys that not my style.<br /><br />I man say Jah is doing this for a reason the action of this illegal label will destroy the entire record industry. And they will have none to blame but her. How could she think that she could have destroyed Burning Spear career, and when around showing off about it. Making comments like send them to me, I can handle them /they are nothing but some stupid Jamaicans. All I can say everyone in the record industry know the game your are playing, Why they too have play this game. They just never hear or taught someone would play it on someone that manufacture is own CDs. And to go to the police station to file complaint. To quote one man in the industry for over 25 years.” This is crazy what do she expect to gain from this” Well let her suit us I man is ready. I am sure she will have a lot to explain to the Judge... I just had to put this in there to show her we are not afraid of all of her intimation. And refuse to be silent. We have been through enough by her action to seen this through until the end legally. I think someone needs to tell her she is not an artist and you cannot take away people property and them black mail them or push there button... her action is a cowardly action that will no longer bring her sympathy from the few she was counting on. They are now moving fast to separate themselves from her. You try it and it doesn’t work. You need to know when to quit.<br /><br />Thank you to all the keepers Of the Flame out there that provide us with much information and kind words. One of the keepers of the flames say she got tired of see reggae artist rip off by these so call record labels, they are nothing but pirates and with no moral . What they do is to spend the reggae artist money to operate their business. when I man Spear ask this person what was her name she say just call me Robin Hood I had to step in and help you out Burning Spear. I Spear say I am the people choice. And I Know you all will not let anything happen to the old Rastaman.<br /><br />I man would say to all the people of the world don’t listen to what you read or hear about Jamaica this Island is wonderful and the best place you can go if you need to recharge your energy. The beaches are beautiful and the entire nature of the land of Jamaica is heaven. Just to feel the cool winds blow. Sitting outside under a coconut tree, and hearing the birds sings. The moon shines so bright. I man Creation Rebels now the old Rastaman is at home, Happy and free. Jamaica Land of My birth we love you. Happy Earth day to You Marlene.<br /><br />One Love, Peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-44097367108644018842007-08-26T20:49:00.000-04:002007-11-13T20:50:11.402-05:00Legal Hustlers Riding On Reggae Band WagonLegal Hustler Riding On Reggae Band Wagon. All I can say who the cap fit will wear it. I will remove your response since you have no idea what you are saying. Yes I got rid of the rubbish that was never In I man life before. Yes I am happy to see them go. I don't know them and they don't know I man. I am glad I touch a nerve. It show that I stand strong and you are gone.<br /><br />When I man write the song Legal Hustlers I never taught it would come to pass in I man life again. I have had so much time to think on this song, wow I thought to myself how powerful be the words that the Creator put in your mind so you can put into song. The message is truly in the music. Reggae music has attracted all kind of people just waiting to pose, and see how much they can get from reggae artist. We carry the label that we Jamaican musician cannot think for ourselves, and need other people to think for us. Only they and they alone know what best for us. So they want us to think stupid, yes that’s what they want us to do.<br /><br />I Burning Spear say it is very good when a man can think for himself. They can’t catch I man they could have hook on them finger they caught catch me. Everyone that come in I man present with bad intention and think they could have hook me are all gone. I clean house of all those door peepers. Some when fighting while others when streaming. I man was ready to let the place be clean, and I mean the place of I man heart and soul. I feel so free again I can hear myself thinking again. All the clusters of rubbish are gone.<br /><br />I have Jah feeling and I can feel the cool wind blowing from a distance taking away all the negative vibes they try to leave behind. Who are they I say they are they and them who Jah will raid for I and I yes with a cause.<br /><br />Our Music so sweet, and tell the story of life. What a great summer I man had traveling with The Young Lions. I man journey to Santa Fe NM, I will say was more about healing than music. Jah wanted I man to be in Santa Fe, NM to feel the spirit of the Indians. On the festival site I cross my eyes over the mountain I could hear the distance drums beating in I man head. All the spirits of the brave warriors that fought so hard was protecting I man Burning Spear. Yes Burning Spear you must be brave and have no fear, we are here to guide you.<br /><br />I know that this race is not for the swift but for the smart, I man know I am a winner. I bought home the Pony to take I man across to the holy man. I hang an Eagle as a symbol of freedom next to I man resting place. They want us to be ignorant and lack understanding so when they create problems they can blame it on us. Since no one take the time to listen to us we are always guilty. Even when you are a free man they still want to enslave you. They will do anything not to pay you money they owe you, and the system protects these legal Hustlers. None have the courage to ask the real question. I Burning Spear say it’s about time people In High Place speak up. Don’t protect or help someone to hurt another one. Knowing it’s not right. Remember that you cannot be wrong and get right. The price that the Creator will make you pay is great. All these so call record labels that do wrong will be gone soon. So music can be free and sweet to the world.<br /><br />I have no where to go musically, Music is what I man is. Music will united the world. I man come in peace, war no good. No more unnecessary confusion... I man will not look back in this race. Equal justice stands for one and all. Hail to all the great warrior who fought so bravely. Thank you for the courage you all gave I man spiritually.<br /><br />I man would rather be friends with the animal than be a target for Babylon.<br /><br />One Love Peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-25021428915022226612007-07-01T20:47:00.000-04:002007-11-13T20:48:14.438-05:00Bootsy, Spear and Bernie: Our Hearts Shall Beat As OneGreetings and blessings to all the people of the world. I told you about the magic I and my brothers share in Magic shop studio and now I want you to see the magic for yourself how Jah love have brought us together.<br /><br />I man vision come through to hold my brothers hand in my hands. I cannot shake this feeling I have inside of me. The music we play together keep ringing in I man ears.<br /><br />Each time I play the music to work on the lyric I can just see Bootsy and his wife entering the studio dancing to People in High Place. We all dance, and sing. Such a wonderful feeling, Yes Jah feeling. And Bernie play the keyboard with such sweet melody giving I man music his all from the Heart. Oh how lucky I was to meet my brothers and have the wonderful opportunity to play music together. One family.<br /><br />Unity is strength and we all must come together as one players of instrument. This is our music and we must fight to protect it. I man have fight many battle to protect this music and I will never sell out. So we rise up from this little Island where reggae music spring from. Just like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King and the honorary Marcus Garvey we are all messenger of His Majesty. I and I come to do a work. And no power can stop this work. For this is the reason Jah provide a way for I and I to survive.<br /><br />A lot of people in music high place cannot believe I Burning Spear is still around and I never ask them for a loan. They ask what the strength of Burning Spear is. I man answer the strength of Burning Spear comes from the Creator. I am the people choice. No force stronger than the people. I man music is here to united people of the world.<br /><br />I am the Africa postman here to deliver the telegram to all the sons and daughters of Creation. Music is what I man has so music is what I give. This is why they call I man the Creation Rebel.<br /><br />Life is a journey and I am traveling through creation with the protection of those that gone before me. If I man was to look back on what I man lost then I would not be able to move forward. I am stronger than befor, and I am a freeman 100% musically. Look how bless I man is to have made magic in Magic shop studio with Bootsy and Bernie. Traveling to Kenya, the home of Burning Spear.<br />I man fans are my family they have work beside I Burning Spear with such energy. I cannot call them fans. I must say family. To all my family around the world I man love you and thank you so much for all you have give to the old Rastaman, Jah send each and every one of you. Together we will show the world that we can and will move as one.<br /><br />One Love<br />Keep the Spear Burning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-41189458201678079542007-06-09T20:44:00.000-04:002007-11-13T20:46:14.647-05:00Oh What A Happy DayIt took I man deep to write this journal. I have been over come by the blessing of the Jah, I did not know how to start. Words cannot explain, the picture say it all. I had many beautiful picture to choose from, this picture stuck a cord in I man heart. Deep down.<br /><br />The week start off with I man returning into the studio with young drummer Howard Smith and Breezy. Here come Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell. Words cannot explain the great vibes these two brothers brought into the Magic shop Studio. We all made Magic in Magic shop Studio. Respect my brothers, I can still hear the Base of Bootsy in I man heart and the mellow sound of Bernie keyboard in I man head. I was ready for Kenya.<br /><br />Fighting a little cold I did not care, I man just wanted to go home. I took a group of Young lions this time with I man. And we all became the Lions in Jah Kingdom.<br /><br />Much love and respect to Bertus and Sakakasi Trust and Rudy and his beautiful wife for making I man vision come true. To all the staff of Windsor Hotel. We had two beautiful tours guide that gentle guide us through our journey around Kenya. Stay strong my daughters. The care and love that Sarakasi Trust and their staff put into making I man dream come true is simply amazing. To I man big brother that protect I man with his gentle ways, and kind heart, One Love.<br /><br />I man wanted to be loved for who I am and I found that love among the people of Kenya. Being in Kenya was like I was home. I often ask myself where has the roots music gone and I now found the answer. It's on the soil of Africa. What our youths in Jamaica and America are running away from the young man and woman of Kenya are embracing. They walk for four hour just to behold the Africa teacher. These young Lion and Lioness are not afraid of the roots and culture. They know this way of I and I is the right way. By washing I man foot, and removing the shoe, and replace it with the slipper. I know I was home what an honor this was for I Burning Spear to chant with the Rastaman of Kenya. I wanted to sing all the songs I know my people wanted to hear. I never wanted to leave the stage, it was like one big family gathering. I was sad I could not keep playing until in the morning. The spirit of Jomo Kenyatta fills the stage.<br /><br />I say to all the young people of Kenya: Humble your self my little one, humble yourself. Don’t sellout. Keep your roots and culture. I know at times the road is foggy, it's foggy for I man too. We are they that have to endure great tribulation upon great tribulation. Your cry is the African Teacher cry. They are happy to use us and then refuse us. They always say Trust me I can get the job done. Trust only Jah the Creator. He is the only one that can get the job done. And fulfill the desire of your young hearts as he has fulfill the desire of the Old Rastaman heart. Don’t let anyone use fear to control you. Believe in Yourself.<br /><br />One Love Keep the Spear Burning until we meet again.<br /><br />Peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18323154.post-75812488416441264242007-04-28T20:42:00.000-04:002007-11-13T20:43:41.483-05:00My Roots I Will Never ForgetRise up this morning to behold a bird making a nest on my door step. As I watch the bird go back and forth gathering the straw to make her nest to lay her egg it bring I man great joy to know that the bird choose I man house to make her nest. I man roots I will never want to forget. I will always remember the roads I travel doing the work of His Majesty.<br /><br />The Creator have taken I man from the cellar of King Street to live on the beach of Garvey Lawn. He gave me music to travel the world and to spread his message. Sometime I ask His Majesty when I will be discharge from this duty. If I man question his wrong I ask His Majesty to forgive I man. From this work I have experience great joy and great pain. I know many of you have also experience the same thing I man have experience from your day to day life experiences.<br /><br />I sometime have to ask why some people see reggae music as a means to hustle money. They don’t realize that reggae music is more that they think. And no matter what they do they cannot hurt reggae music. This music is the people music and carries no compromise. Are the legal hustler’s lives any better than I man life? Are they happy? I don’t think so.<br /><br />Is Burning Spear happy? The answer is yes I man is very happy. I know at times I get upset about the way I am treated by the legal hustlers that are riding on my band wagon. But none the less I man is very happy. When you are a freeman you are a happy man. No record label or distribution label control I man destiny. I man destiny is controlled by His Majesty and this will remain so. So Jah said, and his work must be done.<br /><br />Great respect must be given to all the People of the World that have support I man music for more than 35 years.<br /><br />It give I man great pleasure to say I will finally be going to Kenya. To be on the soil of the Mother land is I man heart desire and I man comfort. I man vision finally come true. To hold my brother hand in hand and to hold my sister hand in hand. Burning Spear going home.<br /><br />Benjamin I thank you for your kind words, I take your advice and will remain focus on the job I was put here for. And not to get drag down with evil ones. The big bully will tumble down. Burning Spear is here to stay. There is no question that Jah will not answer and no problem he will not solve. It might take time. Jah is slow but sure. I man put my trust in the Creator, not in man.<br /><br />Awake people of the world Awake. Awake for the releasing of Burning Spear Experience May 6, 2007 Available in all independent stores. Coming straight from I man to you. Thanks to Think Indies. Support your independent stores. They are wonderful people behind these stores that love music. And understand the needs of artist.<br /><br />Take me across to meet the holy man, and the holy man touch I man with his hand, and the spear appear in I man hand.<br /><br />Keep the Spear Burning.<br />One Love Peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com