Burning Spear Blog

Greetings

2010-01-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings,
Please visit www.burningspear.net/blog/ to read Burning Spear's most recent posts.

Adam Z

Wisdom To Do What Is Right

2009-08-23T12:06:00.001-04:00

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jah Is Real.

Everywhere I Go

2009-06-20T11:57:00.000-04:00

Everywhere I go, Jah send someone to keep reminding I Burning Spear aka Winston Rodney that no weapon that forms against me can prosper.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We all have to be very careful with people we come in contact with, learn to draw the line.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Boston are you Ready for Burning Spear and The Young Lion.

Make Appointment With His Majesty

2009-03-01T11:42:00.000-05:00

Sometime 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

One Love Jah Is Real Keep The Spear Burning.

Since They Didn't Hire I Man Spear They Cannot Fire I

2008-12-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

Since 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

They didn’t hire me so they cannot fire me. Jah Is Real

We Can Make It If We Try

2008-11-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

Through 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We must watch for the red flag of control from those that we come in contact with.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jah Is Real, we can make it if we try.

Life Is A Journey

2008-09-27T19:20:00.000-04:00

We 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One Love
Peace Jah is Real

Grand Father

2008-08-17T19:17:00.000-04:00

First 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Suns have set and suns will rise
Upon many gloomy lives;
Those who sit around and say:
"Nothing good comes down our way."
Some say: "What's the use to try,
Life is awful hard and dry."
If they'd bring such news to you,
This is what you ought to do.
Chorus
Let no trouble worry you;
Keep cool, keep cool!
Don't get hot like some folk do,
Keep cool, keep cool!
What's the use of prancing high
While the world goes smiling by.
You can win if you would try,
Keep cool, keep cool.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mr Garvey break the cycle of fear and he didn’t care, I Burning Spear will keep cool, keep cool.

Jah Is Real and he will help me to overcome the devil.

Finally I Will Reap What I Sow

2008-07-12T19:35:00.001-04:00

First 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wow the time flies fast thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you.

Jah is real.

I will never look back in the race

2008-06-18T22:30:00.004-04:00

No 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Humble yourself and quiet your mine and learn to live in the moment only.

Let continue to share this positive vibes of Love and peace.

Power Of Focus

2008-06-16T19:37:00.001-04:00

Oh 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Remember it’s a long way around the wood dry but is still heavy let’s rock in time.

One Love peace.

First I must say greetings to all the people of the world

2008-06-15T22:32:00.001-04:00

First 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.

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.

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.

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.

I say it again you the fans are the force behind Burning Spear we are the roots of the Grass.

Marcus Garvey words come to pass, many times I wonder off to that beautiful place where the sea meets the river in perfect harmony.

My Journey of Life

2008-05-17T19:45:00.002-04:00

To 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.

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.

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"

. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
I and I will Never get swelled and Run away, we come to stay

Jah Is My Driver

2008-05-10T19:40:00.003-04:00

I 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes Jah is Real One love peace, and remember the silent sign. You can learn more by being silent than talking too much.

He Say, She Say Means Nobody Say

2008-03-30T00:32:00.003-04:00

Greeting 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.”

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.

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.

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.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow it empties today of its strength” - Corrie Ten Boom.

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.

“You can never step in the same river twice” - Heraclitus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One Love. Peace. Keep The Spear Burning.

I Have To Share This Story

2008-03-23T15:25:00.001-04:00

As 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.....

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,

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ....

Our Heart shall be as one, we stand strong ......

Thank You

2008-03-21T15:23:00.000-04:00

How 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
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.

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,

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.

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,

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.

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.
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.

Tune in to Dave O" on Burning Sound at Live 365.com

Jah Is Real

2008-03-21T15:22:00.000-04:00

Greeting 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

I must also give a shout out to Sunny Boy and Krystal
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”.
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.

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.
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 . . .. .

Mistake Carry No Face

2008-02-13T17:45:00.001-05:00

How 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you fling the Spear it will stick up, it will never fall.

Give Thanks I am not the worse

I Am Just A Man Not a Rich Man Just A Rastaman

2008-01-07T13:53:00.001-05:00

Any 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This Race Is Not for The Swift But For The Smart

2007-12-08T20:46:00.000-05:00

First 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What more can I say. Just that I man never sell out. Many respect to all the people of the world.

One Love
Keep the Spear Burning
Lets stand strong with grass root promotion
Come In Peace

This Experience

2007-11-03T20:51:00.000-04:00

First I man would like to say greeting to all the people of the world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One Love, Peace.

Legal Hustlers Riding On Reggae Band Wagon

2007-08-26T20:49:00.000-04:00

Legal 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I man would rather be friends with the animal than be a target for Babylon.

One Love Peace.

Bootsy, Spear and Bernie: Our Hearts Shall Beat As One

2007-07-01T20:47:00.000-04:00

Greetings 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

One Love
Keep the Spear Burning.

Oh What A Happy Day

2007-06-09T20:44:00.000-04:00

It 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One Love Keep the Spear Burning until we meet again.

Peace.

My Roots I Will Never Forget

2007-04-28T20:42:00.000-04:00

Rise 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.

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.

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.

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.

Great respect must be given to all the People of the World that have support I man music for more than 35 years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep the Spear Burning.
One Love Peace.

Fret Not Thyself Because of Evildoers Neither Be Thou Envious Against The Workers Of Iniquity

2007-03-24T20:39:00.000-04:00

Fret not thyself because Of Evildoers. Neither be thou envious against the workers of Iniquity.

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. Yes my brethren and Sistren these word came to I man as I sit in meditation . There is no force stronger than the mine. Yes don’t kill the Lion don’t Kill Him it will drop tears from the eyes of the People Of The world if you should kill the Lion. The Lion is so humble ,and he love little Children. I am the Lion of the dessert . For forty days ,and Forty Nights I will pray until I man sweat turns into Blood, to call on the spirit of all of all the freedom fighters of the world to join force with I man to conquer good over evil.

I man will delight myself in the Jah and he shall give I the desires of I man heart to behold Lot wife turning into a pillar of Salt. I man know that it was Delilah that cut off the dreadlock of Samson to make him weak so Babylon could over come him. I man is very careful. The serpents of the earth are always crawling looking for easy prey.
They could have hooks on their fingers they cannot catch Burning Spear.
I have made the best choice I ever made that was to distribute my Music I man self. This has because some people great stress. They cannot accept the news. That I man don’t want them anywhere near my music. So they destroy over six thousand of I man CDs . When I man saw what they did I say yes His Majesty I made the right choice to get away from these people. They have no love for Music ,and for Burning Spear in their hearts. And the system protects them. If they had love for Music them they would never destroy any music wither it be Burning Spear music or not.

When Jah say move I know I have to move, and I know I had fine myself into a bad situation just to get the music into the record stores. So now I will just sell all Burning Spear CD On my labels myself.. No more of these companies will ever be allow touching another Burning Spear CDs. I will tell you of a man that love music he is a French man. Our deal was over ,and I gave him permission to destroy I man CDs ,and he refuse. He turns it all over to me without one mark. This man love music. Respect Bruno and Cyril.
When I man look at the CDs the first thing came to my mine it takes a very cold hearted person to do this. This have made me stronger instead of weaker If that person could have get me they would have done the same thing to I man. So they want to put I man in a escrow, Burning Spear cannot be put in escrow by the John Crow. I man would rather to be friends with the animal than to be a target for Babylon . With the whistle of the bird cry from I man lips I will speak to the dove of the earth, to fly ,and get the spirit of all the Lion, and Tiger of the Jah Kingdom to form a protect shield around I man ,and my family.

David did defeat Goliath with just one stone, so I man know I will defeat the wicked with my mine ,and taught. They are many ways to fight a battle. Some fight with Babylon system . I fight on a spiritual level. No power cannot defeat the spirit of so many brave soldiers. And you cannot call the police to arrest these fighters. They cannot arrest what they cannot see.
If Winnie Mandela did not fight ,and at time was arrested ,Nelson Mandela would not be a free man today. So when they threaten to put Sonia Rodney in jail to try, and silent’s her she was more that willing to go.

Greed cannot have no power over I man, Like my brother Bob say you think you are Living in Heaven, but your are only living in Hell. And Jah already place you in escrow, because you are only a John Crow. No power stronger than the power of a Freeman, And I man is a Freeman.

Experience The Experience Of Burning Spear.
Keeps the Spear Burning
One love
Peace.

Come Let Us Say What We Have To Say

2007-02-28T11:19:00.000-05:00

Come Let us Say What We Have To Say

Yes come let us do what we have to do. On this day let us all sing a little love song and celebrate life. Yes this day is I man earth day. Through this Experience I and I survive.

I man was told that there is no need for I to write a journal. These people have no idea how this journal came about, and how it heal I man spirit. This journal was born out of pain. I needed to release things that was happening to I man in this music business. So I just fine myself writing. Since I started writing this journal I start to feel better it made I man move on. No matter what challenges I face and yes they were many challenges.

I am leaving it to tell you about some of the challenges in I man documentary. I promise you that all with eyes will see, and all with ears will hear.

I man is at peace with myself and have no regrets looking back on I man journey, my way is long and the road is foggy foggy, but Jah his I man eyes sight. This is why I name I man new CD The Burning Spear Experience.

For I man Earth day I received a special gift from David, this was a copy of The Black Star Liner capital bond certificate. David show is love and respect for the old Rastaman, and how I conduct my business, by taking full control of I man destiny.

Yes I man will be moving ahead to control all the sales of I man records that I release on I man own label. I will no longer work with any distribution company. Any record stores that like to sell Burning Spear music must buy from I man.

I was told that no sale person from Best Buy/Borders and other retail record that sell records would buy from I man, I must go through a distributor. Because they say these companies don’t buy from indie labels. I need to go trough a distributor. So I man reply if this is I man record,and I paid to manufacture it, spend all the money on promotion ,and marketing, put in all the work, then why can't I sell it myself? Would this not be discrimination on the part of these retail stores? I will not compromise I man freedom anymore just to sell to Best buy and Borders or any retail store. They are no honest distribution company out there, and I have had it with these people. This is I man music so I can sell is myself. I am determine to protect I my legacy, and to open the doors for the future generation so they don’t have to go through the things we when through.

I am putting companies on notice that I intent to fight for my rights. I will no longer walk away when I man is right. You can’t kill us all. And I have all intention of reaping what I sow.

So I man is calling all I man fans to become I man sales person, to show them that we stand strong. Like I man say I have no intention of standing up for the wrong. Nether do I feel like I am left out of the music business. I will never sell out.

I man just journey to Jamaica to capture the true essence of I man documentary. Part of the true essence was to get together with the original back ground singers. It was a touching emotional experience for I man. We have not sung together in years. Yes they still remember Old Marcus Garvey. While traveling around I man parish with Lenny and Jeremy and Lisa and Devon and Mrs. Rodney we were able to discover a rain forest in St Ann’s it was magnificent with many exotic birds and flowers. We hike for one mile up to the river head. Where the water spring straight from the rock. I man would highly recommend this river to anyone. You can see for yourself by check there website. www.cranbrookff.com

Lets true black love arise and hatred scatters even melt before the fire like wax. So I man have to give thanks to Jah and for the love of I man fans that have kept I man through many nights into the next light. Yes we are going to shout it out. Yes we are going to tell them that Burning Spear stand strong for sixty two years.

Experience The Experience Of Burning Spear.
One Love
Keep The Spear Burning.

Hold Them Little Garvey Hold Them Show them You Can Get Rough

2007-01-28T11:28:00.000-05:00

Hold them Little Garvey hold them show them you can get rough.

First I man must say H.I.M to all the people of the world. Big respect to Josh Moore.
A special greeting to I man lawyer David. If you ever need a roots lawyer with plenty patience check David.
In this music business what I fine is a new breed of legal hustlers. That think they rule the world, and that they are the only one that have rights. If I man hire you, them I man can fire you. Is that harassment Is a question I man ask? I man live in the house of reggae so Jah brighten my vision so I can see them from a distance. Go shout it out loud, and clear tell them Burning Spear have no fear. So they think I man is crazy, but I am not crazy I man his feeling Irie.
I man his rejuvenated, and ready to tell I man story, the world his I man town.
None will stop me from telling my story, because I man is the story. If you don’t know me how can you tell my story? What rights have you got to claims my story?

You sit up everyday looking free labor. I did what I can for you, now I man come for my pay no hold up and no touch up. Burning Spear will never get swell headed, and run away. Nature is I man guide look at blue sky, I man tell no lie.
The crime you want to charge I man for its not possible, I am not guilty. Everyone needs the best in life. It’s a long way around. Jah will keep I man through the night into the next light so I man can fight for I man rights. Distant drums are rolling calling all Burning Spear fans ,and friends to come rally around the old rastaman as he fight this new battle of young legal hustlers . This will be a fight with no compromise .Jah say the image of Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear will always live on. Jah will never give them the power to destroy I man. I refuse to let them take over I man head. Staying relax, and sweet to enjoy the victory of good over evil. I man rise up by the sea of Garvey lawn so I live to live, and to inherit the good which is to come. Some people think we are friend because they associated with you for a small amount of time. I am not your friend my money buy my equipment so go sue I man for harassment. I did the hard work of touring, and now you want to reap what you did not sow. in this business artist are always target for lawsuit from people that don’t want to work. And are looking a hand out. With over zealous lawyers ready to take their case. And try, and inflict fear. Looking to reap what they don’t sow.
Respect to all record labels that are doing the right thing for reggae artists. I man his moving along as a free man. Burning Spear will be making plenty changes in 2007. I will not be doing anymore long tours, yet I will continue to work on a limited base only. Time for I man to sit back, and reap what I sow. Most of my energy will go into making I man documentary from the top again. And into recording a new studio album.
Also watch for a new compilation CD of 25 tracks chosen by I man with DVD footage of live concerts, and interview. This CD will be title Burning Spear Experience.
Come people come be a part of this whole, Burning Reggae, Yes the old rastaman stand strong. Any thing like picture and footage on Burning Spear please forward to Burning Music Production. No footage or correspondent should be sending to anyone other company without seeing a letter sign By Burning Music Production. Giving them the permission to act on my behalf. I would like to make it clear that I am in charge of I man documentary. And would like to say respect to Greg Olliver for all the work he put into it.
I am the African postman who bring the musical telegram to all the people of the world. What a happy day, one love peace.
Keep the Spear Burning.

The Wood Dry But It Still Heavy

2007-01-14T11:29:00.000-05:00

Yes, People Of the world, I man say the wood is dry but it’s still heavy. I have had the best start of the New Years. For the first time, I was jamming at Culture Room on New Years Eve, I got to meet plenty of fans that made the long journey to Ft. Lauderdale. Then it was off to Jam Cruise. I would like to say respect to Mark Brown, Annabel, Judy, and also to Leda.
Jam Cruise was just what the old Rastaman needed to start 2007 on the right track. I met Mr. George Porter, and his lovely wife, and an energized group of young musicians. Umphreys McGee, they invite the Old Rastaman to jam with them. I tell you I had the best time yet Jamming with Umphreys McGee. I am still singing the song we made up on stage. Song name Jamming on Jam Cruise. I would recommend this cruise to anyone who wants to have fan on a cruise.
While on Jam Cruise I was able to do a lot of meditation, yes come people lets reason for a second about the things that take place with I and I.
The past few years were filled with unnecessary confusion. I have decided that I am not going to take any of this unnecessary confusion with I man into this year 2007.

Are you my friend, neighbor, or enemy? Since I don’t know which one you are, I will stop any association with anyone that I man spirit cannot trust. Whatever a man sow this is what he will reap. Jah a go raid them for all that they have done to I man and my family.
I will never give up the fight to stop illegal sales of I man records from two companies. And I and I alone are in charge of working on my documentary. This is I man story that will be told by I man. People have even threatened to take I man to court if I speak on my blog about what they are trying to do to I man. I man is entitled to my own opinion, and the law says so. Since I throw them in the sea on Jam Cruise, and they are not important, I refuse to give them an audience. I know that I man fans will be there for the old rastaman when the time is right. Slow and steady will win the race. Yes, this I man story.
With so much good people in this world I will not waste I man energy on the no good people. It was I man who say mistake carry no face. This race is not for the swift but for the smart. Tears of freedom drops from I man eyes everyday. To see where I am now and where I am coming from. Thank You People of the World. Yes, California tell I man that you are ready, I will be there in August. I man have always have a special love for California. I man is still jamming on Jam Cruise; one love people, keep the Spear Burning.

Peace.

Music Without Compromise

2006-12-22T11:31:00.000-05:00

Music without compromise-The old Rastaman meets the Young Lion.

Glory be to Jah one Creator, we are moving within the right direction. Jah for everything which is good. Long life and best of health. Yes people, if there is no love then there will be no peace. It’s not a secret to reason with Jah. Talk to him and tell him, Jah Selah. We all only have one Creator with many names. Yes, you see this Rastaman every day so don’t bother with your bother ration. We don’t want any negative vibes, what we want is music without compromise. Someday the torch will be passing on to the young lions that are brave enough to sing music without compromise. Fathers and mothers, don’t be afraid to let your children listen to music without compromise. Thank you Mr. Harper for letting your son listen to I mans music.
To arrive where I man is now is a true blessing of the Creator. So, I man would have to say HIM. Being Burning Spear is not easy, I man know I was call up on to be a musical messenger of His Majesty. So, I man rise up from this little Island where reggae music spring from. It has been a great experience for I man to journey back in time to tell I man story of days on the road, in tour buses that was not fit to be on the road. Sleeping in hotels with roaches, singing for nothing, night after night. Yes, I man go there already.
I have being down every road you can think of in this business. I have met the good, the bad, and the greedy. Nothing doesn’t surprise me in this business. I man roots, I will never forget. I am the free musical warrior that will remain free. No matter how they try to trap me back into musical slavery, it will never work. My time is coming, don’t worry about me now. I will not let anyone confuse my mind with unnecessary confusion. I know I man going to shine. I am the master of I man faith, I am the captain of I man soul. Someone will help you cross the river, and then they will push you into the river, ungrateful ones I man know them. My old great grandfather father was a farmer, and they could not reap what they sow. They always call them, come here boy.
Big respect to the people of California, I man love you very much, and I know you miss seeing I man. When the time is right I will be reaching out on the Burning shore. Keep the Spear burning in your mine and taught.

To all of I man fans and friends, Happy New Years. Jah bless you all.
One Love Peace
Keep the Spear Burning.

Record Label Hall Of Shame

2006-12-01T11:36:00.000-05:00

Record label hall of shame will be coming soon on Burning Spear website. This will allow the fans to see the companies that are so reckless in the music business.

Greetings to all the people of the world, I man will now be posting two record labels that have been in breach of the anti-piracy laws with regards to records sales.
This is a warning to those companies, they know who they are. They have being selling Burning Spear CDs in Japan, and all over the world without my permission, and have violated I man rights.
They can’t kill us all, I man will fight them with all the might that Jah gave me. I will force them to take I man to court, by posting their company name if they don’t cease and desist at once.

These companies have being using the sale of I man record to continue their business. I have received no payment from them. Each time they hide and go underground, and inform the companies they are using to do these illegal sales not to speak with my representatives.
These two companies are desperate, they thought by selling the records, and not paying I man, I would be forced to work with them. We need an investigation, reggae security, legal hustlers riding on reggae band wagon. They hustle here, and they hustle everywhere. I want to do what I have to do they always say, Why you want to do that? I man answer is this, we are they, who been through great tribulation up on tribulation, on this creation.
Let’s stop these legal hustlers. I say every tear a reggae artist wife cry will fall on these legal hustlers head. There will be no place for them to hide.

Whatever they think they are getting away with, they are losing more than they are gaining, because Jah will never give the power to them. Those that the creator takes out of this business will never be allowed back in the business. So they think I am blind, I sure I can see them, legal hustlers riding on my band wagon.

In life you must have an aim, and a direction. So I man have launched my own online radio station called Burning Sound with Scotty as the DJ. The first time I tune in, tears fall from Mrs. Rodney eyes. She sat in the office crying her eyes out. These were tears of freedom. Her emotions were running high, while DJ Scotty takes her from the past to the present with only Burning Spear music.
It is real sweet to hear the sounds of Burning Spear on the radio. Tune in, and you will hear what it feels like. Burning Sound all the way. Twenty four hours a day. Scotty he’s the DJ.

Calling, calling all fans on a mission this is the time to introduce a friend to Our Music. You have seen how hard it is first hand for us reggae artist to get the public to be aware that our music is in the record store available for purchase. We are on the right track, grass roots promotion is the way, based on an article I was given by my lawyer. We need word of mouth to spread the message.

Artists are now taking control of their own destiny, and are loving for it. Freedom is really sweet, trust I man. You tell I man that you are ready, and I believe you.
The winners will be announced on January 1, 2007. Just like how I man travel the road to your town for years, now the old rastaman is asking you to travel to your records, and send a friend to get some of the CDs on the Burning Spear label. You have to now become I man speaker in your state, spread the music of love, and remember the message is in the music.
We really enjoy the message board, Keep posting those messages, I do tune in.

Let’s remember, this is Jah Creation, there is enough for one and all, so no man or woman should want it all.

One love Peace
Keep The Spear Burning.

Spear In Jamaica

2006-11-06T11:48:00.000-05:00

Let’s try again, never stop trying, this race is not for the swift, but for the smart.

I man know when I call on my fans to become my PR it was never about a contest for most of the fans, it was about making a difference. So, I would like to inform any fan that have a doubt, you don't have to worry about how this will turn out. I am a man to my word.

I am in Jamaica doing a photo shoot that turned out great. It’s nice to be home.
We had a great crew of young people traveling from St. Ann’s bay to
the cave in Negril. The cave in Negril was wonderful. The next contest will be a trip to the cave in Negril , and I will be there to travel with you.

Let's stay on our mission, it’s our music.

Do You Remember The Days Of Slavery?

2006-10-15T11:53:00.000-04:00

Do you remember the days of slavery?

Come people of the world come, and join Burning Spear grass root team to stop the illegal sale of Burning Spear CDs and Video by record label in America, and Europe.
Only you the consumer can stop this. Please don’t buy the title that don’t have the Burning Spear logo, and state that it’s coming from Burning Music Production.

When you buy these title that coming from record label you are not supporting Burning Spear you are supporting the record labels. Burning Spear received no royalty payment or publishing from these labels.
They hide on line, and continue to sell MP3. For say Mistress Music is on line for sale.
No record label have the right to sell that CD, Yet it’s for download on Mp3.com
Live In Paris also, and I could continue to name plenty more. Look for the Live In Paris with the Burning Spear labels.

What have being happening in the reggae business is that the companies continue to sell the CDs even when the rights to do so have expires.
We are treated as musical slave without rights, and if we inform them to stop they just completely ignore us, and continue to sell.
Their words are that they made Burning Spear; I say to you my People of the World you made Burning Spear. All what I earn is from you the fans that support I man Live show for over 35 years. I write this with a deep pain in my heart. This is why I name I man last CD Our Music, and the one before that Freeman.

Help I man release the chain from around my neck by not buying these CD or DVD.
I am here to buy by my rights from any company that claim I am sell my rights away for $40.00 Jamaican dollars. They have never offer I man back I rights what they continue to do is to sell it to each other. Yes they use us until they refuse us.
While they are sleeping I man was working. I have made much sacrifice to bring the message to the people of the world, now I need your help to stamp out these legal pirates. I call them legal pirates because they can walk into any manufacture, and get the CD / DVD press without contract. If I man walk in a manufacture company with a CD/ DVD with my face on the cover, they willn’t manufacture it unless I have paper work to show them that I have the rights .I am question vigorously
Yes let send them a message. The message says that we sons and daughter of the Creator will stand together as one people of the World,. We will bring freedom to reggae Artist musically. Don’t forget read the labels before you purchase Burning Spear CDs.
I am here if you are not sure.

Show Me You Are Ready

2006-10-03T11:58:00.000-04:00

What a happy day, this day is so happy. Yes fans and friend you have show I man that you are ready.

Oh when the sun goes down I will call on you. Yes People of the world you have show your love and support for Our Music. I Burning Spear, Old Rastaman, is a man of little word but I have to say give thanks to all the fans.

In this contest they are no winner or loser, we are working together to break the silent code of the music Business. It's a mission to get the music in the hands of the people who never hear it. We roots artist don't have the support of the mainstream press or radio station or television. We only have you the fans that have support our live show. As the fans are now finding out for themselves base on there experience with some record stores, Our Music isn't place upfront where everyone can see it, Our poster are not posted on the wall. If we don't take responsible for our Music who will?

This is why they say Harry you are not selling, they want us to pick up the phone, and ask them for that loan. Then we are trap for year with contract and no royalty payments. Too much of I man brothers are passing away too young too soon. I Burning spear was able to escape the music business trap, become free because of you the fans that support I man Live show.

Making my music business a family run business help also.

Plenty people say to I man that it would never work, Because I know my way is long ,and the road is foggy. I know Jah would be I man eyes sight. I am the African Postman. I was send here to bring the musical telegram. So I man faith don't depend on agencies and record labels. It depends on the Creator. Jah have provide a way for I man. The Father have careful pick out people to support I man music all over the world.

So I and I rise up from this little Island where reggae music come from. And yes Our Island have turn there back on us the elders of the music business. Radio DJ no longer play our Music, and the station are now fill with plenty advertise. A fast pace culture are being push on our future generation. Who's fault is a question I man ask.

I man must say big respect to all the radio DJ in the college town that play roots music. Plenty respect to Jah D/King Clos. These musical warriors always keep the roots in the music. They aren't afraid to play the real reggae music.

Come now people lets try again, yes Lets try again. Because sometime when you need someone to assist you on the appointed time they fail you. Marcus Garvey say self reliance. Sometime you can hear some people say trust me, I can get the job done. Don't trust that man, that man can lose is trust, because so many people have lose there trust in Jah. I man will not lose I trust in Jah.

This race is not for the swift but for the smart. For the one who know himself as a winner, I feel from within I man self as a winner. We will sing happy song down by the riverside.

Keep up the good work, I man can see and feel that you are ready.

One Love Peace

Keep the Spear Burning

Forward Our Music & Win
Announcing a Special Contest from Burning Music
September 9, 2006
Burning Spear

Burning Spear Music would like to hire his fans to be his PR team

First we would like to say thanks to all the fans that attend the “700 Strong” concert in St Ann’s Bay. We made history on August 12, 2006.

People of the world, its has been a trying past year and a half for I and my family. The song Music Business tell the story.

At least none no dead, I and I come through safely. I know the prayers from the hearts of my fans kept me safe from the evil vampires, the wolves in sheep clothing.

So yes, mission accomplish thanks to all the wise and true fans that stand on Garvey Lawn August 12,2006. No Door Peeper couldn’t enter.

Yes fans, I and I next mission is to hire Spear fans to do I man PR. After vibing on my run this morning, this thought came to me:

Many times I man hire PR firm to push I man message to the world. They always come back to say that the national television and radio stations say my music is great, but not what they can play.

So I ask myself, if its great, and they love it - then why they cannot play it? Because they think that sex and violence sell better, are more mainstream. I say mainstream is what you make it.

Yet I am sure a lot of these so-called big people that pick the bands who will get promoted don’t watch TV or listen to the music acts they book.

I man have being observing the attendance at each concert. It keeps getting bigger with lots of young people. So I need to hire my fans to be my promotion team, and the money I would spend to pay some PR firm, I will it back to my fans.

I and I will give a trip for two to St Ann’s Bay, Jamaica - including hotel accommodation at Rooms on the Beach - to the fan that helps to sell the most copies of Spear latest CD, Our Music (Dual disc on Burning Music label). The contest will run through the end of this year, 2006.

The goal is to reach the16,000 mark by December 31,2006 for in-store, retail scanned sales. Are you ready to introduce a friend to Our Music? We will have more details posted on the message board. Check back and tell I man you are ready.

Give thanks I man is not the worst. Jah provide a way for I man to survive. They not mock me, they not jeer me. I man will not pay them any mind. I would rather be friends with the animal than to be a target for Babylon. As you know I man his a hard working man that was never given a free ride. So you should never talk too much or point your fingers.

Thanks to Paul Oakenfold for remixing the song “Old Rastaman”, I know my fans was shock to hear a mix like that from Burning Spear. I have to find a way to get the true message across to the young kids of the world. I will always keep the message in the music. I would rather hear my grandchildren sing “Old Rastaman” than some of these bad lyric I am hearing.

Special “Big Up” to all the radio DJ that play Spear Music. I will speak on the radio DJ in Jamaica on my next topic.

Respect and keep the Spear Burning.

Always Remember The Road I Travel

2006-06-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

Hey Hey Hey fans, friends and family. My Roots I will never forget, I man always remember the road I travel.

As you know music is what I have so music is what I man give. Over these past weeks I have travel many road from North to South and from East to West and across the ocean.

People of the World I would like to thank you for your warm embrace. Many wonderful experience sharing the music with you.

On stage I felt free and loved by all of you. It was nice to hear you sing Walk with me.

I man way is long and the road is foggy, foggy. Jah is I man eyes sight, He have lead I man to a few special place.

Place like New Mexico. It was a long time coming I thank all of you In New Mexico for your support. It was a great experience in North and South Carolina.

Seeing young and old fans rocking to the music and the sounds of Burning Spear. I man was shock by the response I received in New Orleans.

The House Of Blues was rocking with a high energy.

I must mention how I was touch by the words of this fan in Santa Fe. She told me how sick she was and how listening to I man music help to heal her faster than any Doctor could.

We had a wonderful time running in New Hampshire, seeing the great mountains. Even though everyone one was in pain for days.

Big up to the fans of Dallas. The promoter was so worried because he had only sold 200 tickets in advance. Big surprise to him when so many fans walk up at the door.

The night of the show he made his goal and was asking if we were coming back around again. Houston festival was the second time for me, the lawn was filled with a rainbow color of people. What a beautiful sight to behold. I met 3 young Jamaica fans who waited for me, they wanted to let I man know that I have young fans in Jamaica. Yes, my Island please don't sell out.

I cannot forget Austin. Austin have been my musical home for years. The place may be small but the vibes was irie. So many place to mention I man just would like to say special thank to all promoters and fans for supporting the music of Burning Spear.

Over the sea and across the Ocean I man go there a ready. To all the fans of Europe the African Postman deliver the musical telegram.

Telegram say Come Now People Lets Try Again. As far as the eyes can see I saw the people from La Reunion. Over the hills and across the valley I travel the roads of La Reunion.

The airport was filled with many greeting fan who bring I man their love. They were very happy to see the Old Rastaman.

Yes we will be 700 strong in a Garvey lawn where no Door Peeper can enter. On August 12, 2006 Only the strong will enter this a holy lawn where we will stand 700 strong.

The lawn will be rocking, the Spear will be Burning. All who have eye will see 700 strong, they will see and hear Our Music. Fans get your copy of Our Music so we all can sing Walk together and O' Rastaman too.

I want to hear you shout it out loud and clear.

One Love

Peace.

Words Come To Pass

2006-04-14T12:04:00.000-04:00

First I would like to say Big Up to Dahved Levy and the staff of WBLS, and yes to all the fans from New York to North Carolina. I man never know you all could sing so much.

I must admit I man is having a great time with everyone. Thanks for your warm embrace.

I man must answer this person. If Den took the time to do is research he would see the 700 Strong concert is a benefit concert for the St Ann's Bay Infirmary . No Door Peep shall not enter.

Burning Spear isn't making any money from this. I man don't hustle money. Yes I will inform people to buy my CD. If an author write a book he wants everyone to read it, and if they need to read it they must purchase it. I man is an independent label, a Free Rastaman in the music business.

I man don't need to hire you as my PR to save face since there is no face to be save. And by your comment it is plain to see you are fill with anger against I man. I am not politician and resent you taking my words out of context to fit your needs. Many are call, few are chosen. Throw Down Your Arms and Come.

I am my own PR. That why I sell myself. I don't need anyone to sell me. I hope Den buy is ticket for 700 Strong and a copy of Our Music. Yes, we cannot refuse it.

Burning Spear words come to pass.

We now have a first lady down in Jamaica. I man don't know where the lyric come from. It just come to I man in I man rest. Just like I man say on Our Music CD, we need a leader that can lead the people. Nanny was a leader. Nanny was the first female warrior. All these woman I am about to mention are from the same line as Nanny.

Nanny was the first female Warrior, then Winnie Mandela/Portia Simpson. And I cannot forget Mrs. Rodney. These female warriors are willing to fight and die for what they believe in. Even though they have great physical beauty they never use that as a way to get ahead. The blood of Nanny run through these women warrior vein. They never give up no matter how hot the battle become. These women know no surrender or retreat. They have determination. Jah send them. I hope the people of Jamaica will rally around their new leader.

I man always say the message is in the music, that why I cannot refuse it. Music should tell a story. For this reason I refuse to change I man identity. I man might not be on MTV or BET or late night television because I am not a passing fad. Here today, gone tomorrow. Burning Spear don't fit in their world. They cannot understand my lyric, because I man lyric comes from the creator to bring all the People Of The World together. I am the Lion in Jah Kingdom, I am a Free Rastaman surrounded by a rainbow of people from all over the world. Grass root people.

Each night I take the stage I can feel the energy coming form the audience. A letter I received from this fan touch I man soul. I will share bit of it with you.

I am walking with nature like I have never walk with nature before...

I am loving this life and all the gift it bestows like never before. I am humble, I am alive, my fire burns bright... I thank you Burning Spear.

This is the reason why I do music. Thank you my friend. Also to the young man at Irving Plaza that was giving me his hat. I hope to see him at 700 strong, and yes bring the hat.

I man way is long, and the road might be foggy at time. I know Jah will be I man eye sight. Yes the African Postman will always bring Jah telegram. The telegram say lets keep-on moving and sing the song together. Lets rally round the Red, Gold and Green. Jah bless those and them who are always there for Burning Spear.

One Love, Peace, Keep the Spear Burning.

Using The System To Fight Against Ourselves

2006-03-24T12:05:00.000-05:00

Brethrens and sistren, when did we start doing the things that we fought against to each other? We must admit that some of us are getting trapped in Babylon system. What does it gain a man to have all the money in the world, and lose his soul? Money only buy things - things that you cannot take with you when your journey on creation is end.

I man have being vibeing all this madness that's going on. Brothers and Sisters are rushing each other over money. Brethrens beware of money, money is the roots of all evil. Lets all go back to the days of Old. Look where money and riches got anyone. I Spear would rather be friends with the animal than to be a target for Babylon. Yes come let us yada out of Babylon system. Where is the love gone? Look at what we are allowing ourselves to become.

Money can not buy happiness or health. If you fight with Babylon system you will lose with Babylon system. All what you think you will gain will never make you happy. Fire is going to burn all of those that turn their back on Jah the Creator and embrace Babylon system in turns of the court House. There will be weeping and wailing and mourning. If you make your bed in hell, that is where you will sleep.

In life there are no miss opportunity. Jah have his plan.

Jah is I man light and salvation who shall I fear. I will never loss my identity. Spear will stand strong and keep on looking Far Over. Our Music I will fight for, not to become rich, but for my grandchildren so they will know about our great leaders that fight for our rights.

Look at what Jamaica Tourism Board have done to Jamaica. Because they only have one slogan they forget how rich Jamaica are in history and culture. They have chase away the people that use to support Jamaica in the 70's and 80's. I will open my own tourist board and show them that People would like to come to Jamaica. The tourist board would never embrace Burning Spear. I man is too acoustic. All who have ear will hear, and all with eyes will see us 700 strong in a Garvey Lawn under the Order of Marcus Garvey, and acoustic vibes of all who gave they life for freedom.

People of the World dust off your passport, come forward to Jamaica. Irie Jamaica, feel the love of the people. Don't lock yourself away in hotel rooms.

I man have return to Jamaica more often these days, and I am from the Parish of St Ann's Bay. I have record several album in my Parish. When I hear what radio stations are playing in Jamaica I man was ashamed. I would like to send them a play list from around the world so they can see what young people are playing.

At a earlier time we were fighting against the system, now we are using the system to fight against ourselves. We are defeating Ourself. I, Burning Spear, stand strong. I am the master of I man faith. I am the captain of my soul. Don't forget to buy your ticket for 700 Strong. And pick up a copy of Our Music Jah know we can't refuse it.

Keep the Spear Burning
One Love. Peace.

Langerado Music Festival

2006-03-14T12:07:00.000-05:00

Burning Spear would like to big up Ben Harper for his warm embrace. Thank you Mr. Ben Harper for you warm feeling. The love I felt from you touch I man heart. Respect always.

We would like to thank the staff of the Langerado Music Festival. They were a pleasure to work with. The vibe was Irie. Yes, let's not forget the fans. Great festival with wonderful fans and staff. Hope to be invited again.

Special thanks to Ethan Schwartz for booking the Creation Rebel on this wonderful festival.

Tell The Youth The Truth

2006-03-07T12:08:00.000-05:00

My roots I will never forget, I will always remember the road I travel for More than 35 Years.

I man would like to say respect to Heartbeat Records for donating $1000.00 to the St. Ann's Bay Infirmary.

On August 12, 2006 I Man will be singing for Justice and Peace. I will sing for the young man who sits in the corner by the walls of the infirmary. He cannot walk or talk and know no mother or father.

I man will sing for my friend who shout out my name Rebe, short for Creation Rebel. Look where I end up.

So much time have wasted on foolish idea now its time for I Man to focus on Jah plans. Just as the Dove appear to I man on that bright morning January 1, 2006 while I bathe in Jah ocean on reggae beach.

The creator will surround all 700 of His chosen people on August 12. No, weak Heart cannot enter. We will all sip from the musical cup of Peace.

I stand strong and free. No more hide and seek, no more hot bread and butter. I Spear not coming for your supper. I open I man heart to all of my fans by opening my secret place to you.

It is good when a man or woman can think for themselves. Wise man mouth is always close. Only the fools speak too much.

They can't catch I man. I appreciate the words my mother say to me: "Son be careful, think before you move." The creator Bless and keep all mothers.

Mothers tell the youth the truth. Yes big, big, big embarrassment. Son I am not your father but your mother his your mother. Daughter I am not your father but your mother is your mother.

He who know the right and do it not shall be spank with many stripe. Yes mother, tell the youth the truth.

Music is what I have and music is what I will give. This is the concert I man have being praying for. The horns and drums will combine with the wave of the sea to create music of harmony.

I will beat my congas and send a message to all the People Of The World. The congas will say "have no fear I Burning Spear is here." Look I man in the eyes and don't you cry. Shout it out loud and clear and have no fear as I take you on a musical ride. Don't talk about Miami or Toronto, Canada. The Big Apple or Manhattan. Lets rock in time on Garvey lawn with Mr. Music.

I Spear love like every other man. Yes Spear love sweet, sweet love. So come roots and rock reggae with I man. Tell me what love can do to you. People can you tickle my soul. Are you going to allow I man to grow too old before you tickle I man soul? What more can I do to say thank you to all my fans for all these year of support?

To photo lady: thank you for your kind words. Yes my sister, I man is on a journey, we will all meet at the bank of the beautiful river right over there. Your prayer have kept I man strong. It's not easy to be Burning Spear. They can't hurt I man with their Babylon system. I am protected by all of you who know I man. Only the Fittest Of the Fittest can survive.

This wood is dry but still heavy. I am the original Creation Rebel. So when the Sun goes down I will call on all of you. Are you ready?

There will be no need for VIP pass, since all 700 strong will be VIP. No, wolf in sheep clothing will not be there also. No, reggae hustler will not be welcome.

No, Rascal will not be allowed to enter Jah Holy lawn. I am here to sing Our Music. Yes, I man cannot refuse it so you should never never point your finger at the old Rastaman or never you talk too much. Lets try again because mistake carry no face.

Are you my friend neighbor or enemy, who are you? We can show the world that we can live together. In Africa they use to chain us together. Yes we can be happy again and feel happy again. With music that set the mind at peace. Hold them little Garvey hold them, show them that we can get tough. Walk your walk to the record store for a copy of Our Music and let the lyric set your mind at peace so when we meet again you can sing along with I man.

Some people want to surround I to bring I man down, but little did they know I will never give up my throne.

Jah Bless, One Love, Keep the Spear Burning. Tell the youth the truth.
Peace.

Big Up Brazil

2006-02-13T12:09:00.000-05:00

First I man would like to say Big Up to the people of Brazil. The welcome I received from the people of Brazil really warms I man heart. I man have no idea how I arrived in Brazil, because I had no plans for Brazil. I am very happy I was in Brazil.

Much respect to the crew that travel with us. We will remember the experience.

Special thanks to the promoter Luciano Alves. And the staff of Global Television.

Brazil: Burning Spear loves you.

Burning Prophet have arrive, and he has a Spear in his hand. So behold the Spear Burning over yonder.

And if it dark the flames from the Spear will help you to fine your way home.

I man have find my way home back to Marcus Garvey Lawn. Where the spirit of the Creation Rebel now Old rastaman can feel free from the system of Babylon. When I look over yonder and cast I man eyes across the sea I know I am free.

I man will never run away, they and them that hate I would love to see I man run. Burning Spear is here to stay.

Yes people have no fear the words on the blog is from I man. I want to vibe with all my fans.

Sometime because I man remain silent people have taken the liberty to define I man. They are so many detractors among I and I. Wolf in sheep clothing who claim to know I man. I man will never give up I man throne for no silver or gold.

On August 12, 2006 I man am inviting 700 people from all over the world to join I man at Marcus Garvey lawn for a day of Burning Spear Harder Than The Best. For years I have travel to perform for all the People of the World. Now I would like you to come to my town. This show will be a benefit for the St. Ann's Bay Infirmary. I will not take one cent from the sales of the tickets.

Yes come join 700 strong for a day of unity and peace next to the sea. No weak heart shall enter this a holy lawn where I and I will stand 700 strong. Under the order of Jah Rastafari and the spirit of Marcus Garvey.

People Of The World please continue to support Our Music, lets become 40,000 strong. Show the world that roots music can sell. Buy a copy for a friend, don't burn for the friend. Come people lets keep on trying. Let the chain of music join us together.

Again I man thank you so much for all you love. The love I received from you means everything to me. I could never have help the people of the Infirmary without you.

Stay strong. One Love. Peace.

Door Peep Shall Not Enter

2006-01-10T12:10:00.000-05:00

Door peep shall not enter this a holy lawn. Come wise and true man and woman lets us stand 700 strong. See Burning Spear live in concert the last Saturday in August 2006 on Marcus Garvey Lawn of the Marcus Garvey Youth Club in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica. This is the place where I man got started. I man is requesting the honor of 700 People Of The World to witness I Man's first ever performance on Garvey Lawn under the Order Of Jah Rastafari.

People Of The World, I man spent the holiday home in Jamaica. Thanks to all of your support I was able to give back something to the St. Ann's Bay Infirmary. While I have being traveling to carry out my duty I never took time for myself and family. It's time for me to slow down, and return to my roots. Yes People Of The World, my roots I will never forget, I will alway remember the roads I travel. The Spirit of Marcus Garvey lead me right to Marcus Garvey Youth Club. Right on the beach. All I could hear in my head was it's time for me to get out of Babylon system. Anyone can be Babylon. So come lets us chant down babylon and be strong.

I man rise up out of this little island where reggae music spring from. They can't kill I man no matter what method they come with because Jah is my driver. Jah will drive them back from whence they come. He will not leave one up on another. They could be small as a mustard seeds.

My way is long and the road is foggy foggy. Jah is I and I eye sight.

I man want to be loved for who I am and not for what people think I have. I never got into music to become rich. I man is not driven by money. I am a Creation Rebel, the Africian Postman. So many times I would leave my family go on tour and come home without money. I am happy to be rich in mind and spirit.

Looking forward to see 700 people of the world doing their country walk at Marcus Garvey Youth Club in August 2006. Don't forget to buy a copy of Our Music for yourself and a friend. Thanks to you for your support of Our Music, this is the best selling CD for Burning Spear. We have to show the world that roots music can sell. Lets keep on moving right to the record store to show the world that we can move together as one musically.

Ticket for the 700 strong will be sold on Burning Spear on line store for $30.00 USD. Only 700 ticket will be sold. The first 300 ticket sold will be given free signed t-shirt.

Thank you for your support
Spear.

Behold The Spear Burning Over Yonder

2005-12-12T12:14:00.000-05:00

First I would like to say thanks to all the people in the record industry that nominated Our Music. I am very surprised that I am a nominee for this Grammy since there is so much hype music going around. I am truly humbled by this nomination. Give thanks.

I would also like to give a special Big Up to Sinead O'Connor for embracing roots music. This is a very brave woman to go on stage to sing Burning Spear and other roots music. Sinead has done something that no Jamaican artist has done. She remember Burning Spear music. Respect Sinead for making Our Music Everyone Music.

I have released the song Music Business on I man website. I wanted to share this song with all the People Of The World. In the reggae side of the music there is so much things going on. Everyone rushing to reach the top. They don't care who they have to drop.

I will now take a title from one of Sinead album cover. I do not want what I haven't got. So all you vampire throw down your arms and come.

This Music is Our Music. I man have paid my dues in this business. When I say I never bent down low this means I man never surrender to anyone or stoop to anyone standard. I never try to pose, I never show off, I just follow my nose. So all the Mr and Mrs Poem of this business the skeleton is in your closets waiting to drop out.

Some speak with there mouth behind your back, I man speak with music. Music is what I have so music is what I give. As we all enter into another year let us forget about the past and move on in a positive direction.

I would like to thank all of The People Of The World for supporting Burning Spear music. Jah Jah send each and everyone of you. May the creator bring each and everyone of you much joy as you all have brought I man.

The question everyone is asking I man, Do I think I will win the Grammy? The answer is no I will not win the Grammy, because the people of the world don't get to vote. I man is already a winner by just being nominated for this CD.

The creator put my name first on the list so I already number one. I man is the only reggae artist to be nominate so many times and only one win. I man is the small fish surrounded by many big fish.

So hold them Little Garvey, hold them. Show them we can get tough. O'Rastaman will never give up.

Happy New Year.

Spear.

Music Alone Shall Live

2005-11-30T14:15:00.000-05:00

Burning Spear will be at Tony Rebel salute on January 14, 2006. It will be a true honor for I man to perform at Rebel Salute this year. Rebel has proven himself to be a brethren that stands up for the right, and believe in self reliance. I-man will join as one with Tony Rebel and make a donation to St Ann's Bay Infirmary.

First I would like to say thank you Erik for your poem. Big up to Dennis and the Rasputin staff, and all the fans of Berkeley for making Our Music Their Music. It was good to be there upfront and personal with all of you.

The crime you want to charge I-man for it's not possible, and I am not guilty. I was only doing the work of His Majesty, following in the foot step of all the great freedom fighters of the world. Marcus Garvey is an African Jamaican who has been accused many times wrongfully, and so am I. Yes my neighbor and friends and enemy, you need to set the record clean.

I didn't make no move to hurt anyone. If you say I do, where is your evidence? The first Bagg-a-wire was Jamaica version. Second Bagg-a-wire American version. Yes they sell I-man and betray I for less than a pound of rice.

The modern day Bagg-a-wire thought they found the genie in the jar, only when they open the jar only smoke came out. Look for I-man in the water, look for I-man in the wind, because I refuse to live my life in fear or doubt about the work I was given to do. Our Music I can not refuse it. His Majesty set the standard for I-man to follow. How sweet and wonderful it is to serve the creator by singing Our Music.

Everytime I play my congos I am sending a message striaght to the Heart of my friends, neighbors or enemies. I can feel the cry of the world. These are the timea I ask His Majesty to forgive I-man for making any wrong turn since mistake carry no face. I Spear have shed many tears while making this album. Out of my tears came words from my heart to touch all the people of the world souls. Let's all get on board the Burning Spear Starliner of Music. Let's make a circle and sing Our Music.

Fans, get your copy of Our Music because I would like to hear all the people of the word sing it next time we meet. All who have ears will hear, and all with eyes will see. Burning Spear will never lose it. Together I and I rainbow of fans will show the world that we can look far over. Because in a time like now it's not about who feels it knows it. What about the man who never felt it but knows it?

Music alone shall live.

People of the word I love you and I thank you for all your support of all the CDs on the Burning Spear label. We can become 8,000,000 strong.

Lets show the world that Roots music coming from an artists own label can sell. Introduce a friend to the music of Burning Spear this holiday.

Keep the Spear Burning
Peace...
Winston Rodney

Creation Rebel, Old Rastaman

2005-11-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

First I man would like to say Bonjour to the people of Paris. Thank you so much for your warm welcome. To all radio DJ and writer of France, respect for making Our Music Everyone music. To Cyril and Nocturne staff, plenty respect for helping to spread the message of Burning Spear over Europe.

I man will now speak about reggae dark secret.

Plenty of us reggae artist couldn't read or write. We only have the talent to do this work. Yes I say it a work appointed to I from His Majesty. That is why, like an old warrior, a soldier, Old Rastaman I had to ask when will I be discharge from this duty? If I man is wrong I ask for forgiveness. Just like in the days of old when His Majesty and His disciples travel the earth preaching I and I travel the earth preaching. The mountains now become venue and the hills are now parks and outdoor festival.

Our Music they think I and I lose it. So many artist today are afraid to sing certain lyric because it's not what society say is marketable to young people. They want us to leave it up to them. When we leave it up to them we will no longer able to perform for all the people of the world and more of our young people will pay the price.

We can show the world that we can live together. Reggae music is about a message of love and togetherness. Do you enjoy terrorizing your brother and sister? If more and more of us become chain together with music that teaches, the world would be a better place, free from mental bondage.

Time for us to become self reliant brethen and sistren. People of the World don't ask for that loan. Because while they are sleeping you will be working to pay back that loan.

Harry you are not sellin yet they are profiting from Harry. Just take a look around you will see so many album they have on the market for I man. The question I ask is where are the royalty payments? Yes this is the sound of all these singers, singing all of these songs. Yet not benefiting from these songs due to all these musical slave traders that sell but keep everything for them self.

They say Burning Spear will be finish and his music will never sell without record companies. I man say come now people lets try again. Let's never stop trying, because Music alone shall live.

Brethen and sistren, people of the world has I man get ready to hang up my mike and give up touring. I will be letting you know everything about I Man musical career for all these 35 years. All about the Creation Rebel that now become the Old Rastaman.

I will take you on a journey about Our Music. Each and every track. And yes I have a track that I will release soon on my website only.

If you know that man you shouldn't hurt that man you should love that man. Thank you people of the world your love have fix I man right up.

Yes walk, walk do your country walk to the record store, and make Our Music everyone Music.

Spear.

My Duty

2005-11-07T14:19:00.000-05:00

Greetings People,

Thank you for buying my new CD Our Music.

Burning Spear say sometimes as an artist it is good if you can share some things with the people especially the fans so they can get some understanding about the things you been through coming up in the business. I man been in this business since 1969 and I man did have to deal with various booking agent, record company and promoters and it was in the 90's when I man start earn something from what I been doing since 1969. I man rise up with my self confidence and my capabilities and I man just keep on moving forward for I man is moving in the right direction and the people knows that.

Sometimes I ask His Majesty when am I going to be discharged from this duty? Maybe I was wrong to ask His Majesty such question. I see myself as Mr. Music, JAH Music, Our Music, World Music, the Peoples Music. What so ever JAH has given to I man, I man earn it the hardest way.

So Keep the Spear Burning
One Love
Peace
Burning Spear

Unity Is Strength

2005-10-26T14:20:00.000-04:00

First I would like to say greeting to all the people of the world. Big Up to the fans of Connecticut they have make Our Music the best sound Scans for Burning Spear music. Plenty respect for all the radio DJ in that area, they and the fans have proven that Our Music can become Everyone Music.

Unity is strength.

I would like to say Our Music is not a song against record company. I man have nothing against any record company. This was just I way of speaking out against the things that happen in this business. You have pirate companies like Clocktower that put out this CD call Traveling. I man have never given them any rights. I don't even know them. I man call them modern day Music Slave Traders. Also the name Harry you are not selling comes from this producer that would call I man Jackson. And now claim I sold rights to them for $40.00 Jamaican Dollars in 1975.

A lot of people say they made Burning Spear. I say to them Jah made Burning Spear, I am a messenger of Jah, so Jah send all these people to support my live concerts. So while they are sleeping I am working on Our Music. A lot of my peer in this music business would go on I man website and see all these tour dates. They would say "how spear have so much tour dates?, where the people them come from to support him? Burning spear don't even have a hit record." I am a messenger of His Majesty so I don't need a hit record to spread his Majesty message.

Plenty respect to Bill Bass/Larry Gold and the House Of Blues crew for all the tour support. Respect to all Burning Spear disciples...

Our Music touch I man so much based on what was going on in my life at the time this record was being made I have to speak about it. I have never put so much of myself in a CD since the 1970's. I don't sing to gain riches and buy fancy cars. I was chosen by the creator for this job. I am O' Rastaman. You see I man over the past years so don't bother I man with your disturbances. Marcus Garvey/Elijah Mohammed/Martin Luther King and Mr. Malcolm X they leave the instructions for I to follow through. So don't mess with the O' Rastaman.

Mistake carry no face. I man can see my exit I am more stronger than before. I man His little Garvey, And so his every brother or sisteren that will fight for there rights. So hold Them Little Garvey show Them that we can get tough. Who are them? Them are your friends or neighbor or enemies. I thought you were my neighbor, or friend but not my enemy. How may time we all think this about our friend.

Yes fans a support for Our Music is a support for Burning Spear, O Rastaman. Let the lyric of Our Music chain I and I together. Marcus Garvey say - self reliance. So lets do the Burning Spear walk right to the record store for a Copy Of Our Music.

Peace,
Burning Spear

Greetings

2005-10-16T14:23:00.000-04:00

Our Music was created at a time in I, Burning Spear, life that was fill with many personal conflict. For this reason songs like Friends, Our Music, And My Duty were created.

Down In Jamaica was created for all sister and mother. Woman have so much power that is alway over looked. They are leaders yet they are alway over looked.

I had to put in Little Garvey, And O' Rastaman. These were lyric that came to me as I run in the park and come face to face with I man self and Jah spirit.

In My Duty there is the lyric "I man is only Human, and can make mistake". This was a talk I had with I man father, and creator. I had taught of walking away from touring. So I decided to take some time for I self to be with my family. But I could not forget my fans. So I decided to take it to the record store so they could see me up close, and personal. Your love have kept me strong.

All Burning Spear fans, I have to thank you so much for all your kind words. Yes people lets try again. Show them that Harry is selling. Feel I man pure, and deep vibe on Our Music.

Let Our Music become Everyone Music. Buy your copy, and buy one for a friend.

Darmstadt, Germany - Centralstation

2003-07-24T12:11:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

One of the smaller venues on this swing through Germany... if you can consider a place capable of accommodating upwards of 1000 people small. A somewhat compressed schedule made it necessary to stay at the venue from sound check to show time. There was less than two hours time before show time. That probably helped us maintain our focus... it certainly kept everyone warmed up and ready for business.

The people got an energetic show and they loved it! You could tell from the people in the balconies dancing with total abandon that they were feeling no pain. In fact, it seemed more like a celebration of life and reggae music.

The band left the stage feeling pretty good as well. We'll have a pleasant memory to sleep by on the long drive to Auxerre, France in a couple of hours.

Salzburg, Austria - Rock House

2003-07-23T12:05:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Unpredictable weather greets us as we arrive at the venue for tonight's show. There's a little something strange in terms of energy. Maybe, it's just people being tired, or just a little too relaxed. This work requires a certain amount of intensity and that intensity needs to be sustained for several months. It's largely a mental thing, similar to what professional athletes go through. There will be weeks of consecutive shows and each is the one and only chance the people here will get to see the Burning Spear show in their town. Sometimes an opening band can motivate the competitive instinct in a musician to show the world that that trombone player can't hold a candle to what I can do. There are others who don't see this as a competitive endeavor, and they're right when you look at the big picture, but if it motivates a musician to give his or her best on a given night, that's what's required and there's no shame in being competitively motivated. Anyway the ultimate result is that there's much work to be done in order to present the proper standard of performance night after night. That's the definition of professionalism. Do the necessary homework and practice as if it were show time and things ought to come in to place properly.

Sometimes, no matter how many or how few times you may have played a certain venue, there are familiar faces who remember shows from several years ago or people who have waited several years to have the experience of seeing Burning Spear in concert. The people at Rockhouse are long time Spear fans and they come with high expectations. It's a big responsibility and we're motivated to live up to those expectations.

Today the band is working some new material to be incorporated in future shows... some great tunes from the new album Freeman, on the Burning Spear label. You need to go out and get a copy. The work is filled with subtle challenges that can bring out the best in each of us.

We have a home cooked meal, Austria-style. The attention given to us is gracious and the food prepared with love and care. This also provided a break for Tedo and Dave from the duties of cooks as well as their primary jobs. Although I must admit, that we have gotten spoiled by being able to eat good Jamaican style meals in places so far from home.

(The show started sluggishly, but after some prodding from the boss, the band kicked into high gear and gave the collected audience their money's worth.)

Munich, Germany

2003-07-21T12:04:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Sometimes it easy to forget how many people we know here, in Europe. In Munich, we encounter a lot of familiar faces and people who we think are familiar. The world seems to get smaller as you travel around it. And when you're traveling with Burning Spear, there are a lot of familiar people to see and perform for.

This is one of the first venues that looks or feels like a club, except it's so much larger than clubs we may go to in the states. It's really more like a concert hall with a club feel.

The opening act is Ndiago Diop, an African singer and band who have a large following in Germany. Their music is excellent and transports you to a place where only good times can result. The make up of the crowd is evidence of the way music is capable of bridging gaps between people... even those that may result from differing musical tastes.

African music has a way of getting people really wound up and that spills over into our show as several people attempt to join us on stage.

Cannes, France - Cannes Palm Beach Festival

2003-07-19T12:04:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The venue lives up to its name for sure. The place is a beachside resort with all the amenities one would expect. On the way to the dressing room, I see massage tables, what looks like a steam room and lots of other things designed to relax or revitalize a person. I keep referring to it as the comfort zone.

Kevin has been invited to go wake boarding and I wish it were me, but there's a lot of work to be done and we get down to it. But first, water! It's just so hot you have to keep fluids in you during this European heat wave. It feels strange to be on the beach looking for water, but it goes that way sometimes...

The atmosphere after the show felt like a 60's rock concert, where no one wants to go home. There are countless sweaty people dancing to the DJ's closing tunes and others are milling around, socializing and basically waiting for the security staff to send us on our way, which they do and the night becomes a memory.

Vienne, France - Arenes De Vienne

2003-07-18T12:03:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

We're back in France for two more shows with Garance and a reunion with Gaelle, who has been a point person for us on this part of the French tour. She has provided much needed translation, as well as arranging transportation and making sure the dressing rooms are in order. She has also been a real friend to many of us.

Kevin is taking care of business, selling CD's and warming up the people with his personality. He's really a great person.

Audience responded really well. Morgan Heritage and Anthony B. also gave the people great shows. This is the third time the three groups have been on the same bill this year, with each taking a turn opening and closing the evening. There are some fine people in those two bands.

Ripatransone, Italy - Ascoli Piceno Corte Medievale

2003-07-17T12:02:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The day is really hot!! It's even hotter on the bus. Between the conversation and the temperature, it's even hotter. It's respectful but people tend to stand by their opinions... with a passion. I don't even remember what exactly what we were talking about, but it was a lively conversation.

The ride is winding and goes almost straight up some pretty imposing hills and at times I don't know how the bus made it up them. There are several opportunities to make photos, but I'm feeling to lazy to get the camera.

We get to the hotel and do some critiquing of the previous few night's shows, doing what we can to make it even stronger.

The venue is a large arena that reminds me of scenes from "Gladiator". It speak history out loud. The main arena sits behind (or in front of) what looks like a castle/fortress, with lots of holes for archers to fire from. It's truly amazing.

The acoustics are perfect. I don't know how they managed to make it so that you could hear all the way to the top without any trouble at all.

I can't wait for the show to start, just to listen to the place reflect the band and the crowd...

Rome, Italy - Villa Ada Town Centre

2003-07-16T12:01:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

It's the second of three shows with the people of Tour de Force and Romano Pasquini. There seems to be something happening every second. That's not unusual when you're organizing outdoor shows. I'm glad the shows are outside; it's just such a natural environment for reggae music.

While we warm up, I find myself watching the people just lounging in the sun. What a life... sunbathing during the day and Burning Spear at night. How could anyone want anything more?

Marghera, Italy

2003-07-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

One of the first things that we notice as we arrive is the name of the street where the hotel is... via Malcontenta.

The weather alone could leave you totally content... lots of sun and plenty of heat. It's the kind of heat that makes siesta so natural.

The venue's outdoor setting seems perfect for reggae music. You can feel it.

The show went really well. We're feeling good as we head back to the hotel to get ready for the drive to Rome.

Stuttgart, Germany

2003-07-14T10:48:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The day begins quietly enough. Clyde and the driver take a short shopping trip downtown before getting down to work. This year's European heat wave seems tailor made for leisure or plain old lounging. But there's no lounging here. There's still plenty of work to do, starting with sound check, after which we all sit down to a home style meal cooked by Tedo and Dave Richards. They make a serious team in the kitchen, which is born out by the various people who take a pass on the food that's already available in order to have some of their creations.

The German people know their reggae music and they couldn't wait to see Burning Spear once again. Most of the people have waited at least a year for this and can't wait for the show to start...and it started with a bang!! The audience projected so much energy that it became contagious and the exchange began. By shows end, there could be no doubt that the people's loyalty to Burning Spear was richly rewarded.

Beograd, (formerly Yugoslavia)

2003-07-12T10:47:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Now there's proof, once again, that there's no place reggae music can not penetrate! Who would have expected, just a few years ago, that Burning Spear would bring his Burning Band to this part of the world? In a place known recently for it repressive dictatorship and suppression of the people, one might not expect to find such an expression of self determination... on the other hand, what better place? Reggae has its own history of speaking out against oppression, and it seems this expression has found its way clear across the globe!

Members of two of the opening bands expressed how heavily influenced they have been by Burning Spear and how important it was for them to finally see the Master of Music in person on their own soil. Maybe their knowledge that Burning Spear was there brought out the best in all three of the bands that came before us. Whatever the case, there was certainly plenty of anticipation and energy in the air when the Burning Spear show began. The energy level only increased as the show progressed and came to a climax some two hours later. The people seemed to feel vindicated in their struggles. They had gotten a visit from one of their primary icons in the struggle for self determination and that visit was just what the doctor ordered!!

Worgl, Austria

2003-07-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Today presents us with another installment in this year's European heat wave. Soundcheck gives us a good idea of just how hot it might be at show time. Lots of water is definitely in order as well as light weight clothing. Touring requires attention to details like drinking enough water, finding time for things like laundry, etc. When the small but important logistical things are in place, the other things seem to fall in line alongside them.

The quiet pace of things allows us to prevent getting too hot and that saves energy that will be most needed tonight.

Showtime proves what sound check showed us about the temperature. Some of us like to feel the heat of the room and the stage lights when we play... it seems to add something to the whole experience.

The challenge, now seems to be to make the audience sweat just as much and be just as happy doing so.

We did get some help from Anthony B. and 'We Remember Bob Marley', which is essentially a tribute act in honor of Mr. Marley.

By the time we took the stage, it was obvious we would have some serious work to do. The previous acts got the audience really pumped!! It became our duty to not let them down. I have to admit that we did a pretty good job of keeping them going. You could almost see in the faces of the people there that they expected Burning Spear to up the ante! Well, they got what they wanted. The show left them happily drained of any anxiety they may have come in with and blissfully exhausted. This show will remain in their memory banks for some time!!

Paris, France - Elysee Montmartre

2003-07-08T10:44:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Hello Burning Spear fans on all corners of the globe. Once again, this is Micah Robinson reporting to you From the Road. I will be giving you some of our perspective of the goings on as we travel the world bringing the musical message of Burning Spear to the people. Not everything you will get will be specifically about shows, although there will be plenty of documentation from that part of the tour. We will also be bringing you our individual perspective of the general day to day happenings relative to the touring life and life alongside Burning Spear, as that experience is unique enough to warrant input.

Paris feels surprisingly similar to London or even NYC. The definite urban feel is the kind of environment that makes reggae music so therapeutic.

Today is the first night of a two night stand in Paris.

We see, once more, how much the music world loves Burning Spear. Spear fans all over remember 'Live in Paris'. That concert and CD has created a legacy that simply can't be ignored. Any rendition of the Burning Band has to see itself in this historical context. We hit the stage fully aware of that history and those memories came rushing into the present.

Tonight's show was simply smoking!! It seemed we all knew just how important these two nights were to the people here. So many landmark reggae concerts have taken place here, it just brings out the best in any musician. The audience ate it up!! They could feel the vibe and we could feel them in return. Tomorrow night promises to be just as memorable.

Day two found many of the fans from day one here again and they were amongst the lucky ones to experience two consecutive blockbuster concerts Burning Spear style.

Mr. Rodney and the band got a warm reception Paris style. It simply doesn't get better than this.

New Haven, CT - Toad's Place

2001-10-22T00:44:00.000-04:00

22 October 2001 -

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The last stop on this year's North American tour. It's been fantastic. So full of great memories. We've met and reunited with so many of Burning Spear's fans…it feels like we're taking a place in history sometimes. And maybe, that's true. It's certainly a once in a lifetime experience!

Toad's Place is one of the more familiar stops on the tour and the fans arrive with still-fresh memories of the last time they were able to catch Burning Spear…it's as if the vibe from last year or earlier has left a burning desire for a repeat performance. New Haven will be changed by this night's Burning experience.

Closing words:
Well, my friends. It's time for me to sign off for at least another tour season, and hopefully no more than that. This year has been a memorable one for so many reasons. There are so many people to thank. I would like to use this space to thank some of them, but first I will apologize for those whose names I may not include. You really are important.

First, thanks must always be given to the Most High, Jah Rastafari, without whose blessings none of this would be possible. Then to Mr. Rodney for giving us all the opportunity of a lifetime. Who would have ever thought that I would be playing behind a true living legend, or that he would find a place in this great work for someone like me?? It is truly an honor. I could never thank you enough for the guidance and personal advice. Everyone should have an employer like you. We would all be less without you. Also to Mrs. Rodney, who keeps things together from the home office like no one else ever could. They say that beside every great man is a great woman…somehow I think they were referring to Mr. and Mrs. Rodney.

I need to thank all the band members for their support and suggestions…everyone. Stephen Stewart for his discipline and focus in running rehearsals and sound checks, as well as wicked keyboard work. James and Clyde for being great 'running mates' in the Burning Brass, Mike and Dave for providing the Drum and Bass backbone that all reggae music relies so heavily upon as well as humor and reasoning to keep us going. Big up, to Cecil…crucial lead guitarist and great person, Gillie for the skank, the now famous Gillie Punch and so much more. Thanks would be incomplete without props to Tedo for unbelievable humor under all circumstances, a steady hand with merchandise and a readily available song to keep us all going, and to Sylvan for his quiet strength and steady hand with the logistics of keeping track of everyone and great cooking. No one else could have done it the way you have. Maximum Respect!!! And last, but certainly not least, to the countless fans who make it all worthwhile. You all give as good as you get!

Give Thanks.
Peace and Blessings to all. Don't Hurt the Rastaman! Keep the Spear Burning.
Prof. Out.

Washington DC - The Nation

2001-10-21T00:43:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The nation's capital…what else can one really say? It seems only appropriate that the capital should play host to the reigning elder statesman of reggae music…that the airspace would be flooded with the message of Rastafari…a message of hope for this troubled world.

One can't help but think back to September 11 when coming in. There's an obvious military presence and you can imagine what the people are thinking and praying. When looking at the faces of the people we meet, you can't help but want to ask how they feel about things, and at the same time discretion dictates that one allows people to volunteer their thoughts and feelings. People are coming together to heal themselves and they will be helped in that effort by Burning Spear and his Burning Band.

Unlike so many other nights, when someone asks where we'll be playing tomorrow, the answer comes easily. One more show, and the North American leg of the Don't Hurt the Rastaman tour will be finished. I think we'll all miss it.

Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory

2001-10-20T00:43:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Electric, indeed! After several shows in rural or suburban settings, we're taking the show back to Urban America. The flavor is so different, the noise level, the accents, even the food that can be had. If nothing else, touring shows us how diverse this country really is, how no two audiences could ever be the same. And indeed, no two Burning Spear concerts are ever the same.

The City of Brotherly Love will see evidence of that tonight.

Keene, NH - Colonial

2001-10-19T00:42:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

It never ceases to amaze me that some of the most remote locations in this country have thriving, die-hard reggae communities…members of which simply can't wait to see the Spear when he brings his Burning Band into town. But, a closer look makes it plain that Burning Spear has spread the seeds of this message and music and the winds have blown them far and wide. It's times like this, that people all over the country reap the harvest. Harvest season this year is coming to a close and no one wants to be left out.

Did I say something about 'remote locations'? Once we're inside the venue, it seems like a place one would find in New York or San Francisco. There's really nothing small town about it. They obviously know something that I don't. The place is packed and the crowd is more than ready.

So is Burning Spear! Mek we dweet!

Boston, MA - Roxy

2001-10-17T00:41:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The drives between venues are becoming shorter all the time. We're on the final turn toward home and the end of this year's tour. You can tell everyone will miss the routine and the company of fellow band mates. No one really wants it to end; we may want some rest, but before anyone knows it, we'll be missing the road and the stage. Got a chance to meet some of the members of The Itals, who opened the show. Stephen and Dave know them personally, so they had a chance to do some catching up.

Once again, the weather here serves as a preview of what is to come for those of us who live on the East coast. Not looking forward to that, either.

Tonight's show will keep everything in perspective; it's really the music and the audience that counts…

Woodstock, NY - Bearsville

2001-10-16T00:39:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Getting closer and closer to home…everything seems more familiar. At least for those of us who live on the East Coast. Winter is approaching and the landscape is totally different from that of the Midwest, the South or the West at this time of year. It's more familiar.

The bittersweet reality of tour's end is approaching with the winter chill. I can more readily imagine what the weather will be like when the tour is finished, or what the days will be like without soundcheck and shows to do each night…without the company of one's band mates.

Showtime:
Cecil is in fine form tonight. It seems everyone has a particular night when they shine just a little brighter than others. It sounds like all the stuff he has worked on this tour is beginning to pay off. Maybe it's not even that…maybe it's just that I'm listening a little more closely. Whatever it is, the audience is picking up on something, as well. His solo on 'Old Marcus' is especially on point. Big up, Cecil!

New Orleans, LA - House of Blues

2001-10-13T00:38:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Another great reunion with the Burning Spear and his fans in New Orleans. Also another chance to sample the great local cuisine, Dixieland Jazz, Zydeco and New Orleans culture, in general. The senses work overtime…sights, sounds, smells. It 's all there in the Big Easy. (It's another city that never sleeps.) There seems to be a party going on at all times.

The general feel of the city makes one feel at home in the larger community of musicians. So many of the places we play don't seem to have a very lively music scene, but New Orleans is a place that not only has a thriving a music scene, but a musical legacy that you just have to experience. We get a chance to catch some of the local acts between check-in and sound check and again before the show. It's energizing and somewhat daunting to realize that in this life we have actually gotten to work with one of the all-time greats in music. In a city where everybody knows their music and the standards are very high, everyone knows about Burning Spear.

Austin, TX - Flamingo Cantina

2001-10-12T00:37:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

James and I room together again. We have a room with a view of Downtown Austin, and the mind can't help comparing it with other big cities. The skyline is amazing.

And again, today James has a reunion with an old friend; a fellow trumpeter from his days in Texas. Actually, this visitor looks really familiar to me. For the most part, I just observe their interaction and wonder where I may have met him before. Only the call to sound check gets him off my mind.

Fayetteville, AR - Dave's on Dickson

2001-10-11T00:36:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

We've had a long drive, as usual. This one was the better part of 18 hours and it seems everyone is getting restless, this time. Usually, we're able to occupy ourselves with dominoes, or movies, etc. This time the wear and tear of several long drives is starting to tell. It's little things, like people getting off the bus where they otherwise might have stayed on. It's a great bus, but after 18 or 19 hours, you just want to stop moving. As soon as the bus door closes, the vibe changes…stretching begins, we explore the area for stores and restaurants…it's one of those days where the rain comes and goes and you don't know if you're going to get caught in it or not. Fortunately, the venue is within walking distance of the hotel and the air isn't cold.

There's no sound check today, so there's a little extra time to practice. That time won't get wasted today.

We go to Hastings Records for a signing. I always like these occasions. It's a time when the fans get to meet Mr. Rodney and his soldiers in an environment that is totally different…there are people around who have no exposure to reggae music who are wondering who this visiting celebrity is. It's a lot quieter and we get to give each fan some individual attention. It's a fitting prelude to the night that's to come. The importance of Burning Spear to his public is emphasized by the look on each patron's face as they get their autographed CD's or posters, or even bring in copies of classic Burning Spear vinyl for a signature. It's the perfect transition from hotel to stage…

Wilmington, NC - Marzz

2001-10-09T00:35:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Roughly 9am: we're still waiting for Sylvan to return from hospital…the suspense and worry are getting to us, but everyone has a straight face and tries not to show it. At about 10, we go get him from the hospital. He gets a clean bill of health and there's a collective sigh of relief. Everyone tries to joke about it, but you know we're all glad to see him well again. God is Great…Jah Live!

Hilton Head, SC

2001-10-08T00:34:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

As we begin on our way, Sylvan helps me cook some food in the microwave. Later, Sylvan got sick. The look on his face makes me worry that it might be really serious, but I'm no expert, and I'll have to wait just like everyone else to find out if it is. It's hard to think about anything else. I haven't know him long, but we all love him and no one wants to guess.

Later:
Sylvan is going to see a doctor. He's still not feeling well. Good Luck. Jah Guide

Asheville, NC - Asheville Music Zone

2001-10-07T00:33:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Asheville is sunny and warm, the ride was pleasant and we arrive in high spirits. The venue is in walking distance, which means everyone can move a little slower, steal a couple extra minutes to finish a shower or phone call and still be on time for sound check and showtime. Conversation begins to find its way to talk about the tour's end. There are fewer than three weeks left. We'll have an early departure so we conserve our energy for the show; everyone will get some sleep on the bus.

Norfolk, VA - The Boathouse

2001-10-06T00:32:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

We arrive on a rainy day in Norfolk to play the Boathouse. This is one of the annual shows that we all remember…we may forget the name of the place and where it is before we arrive, but as soon as we get to the parking lot, the memory is refreshed and we navigate as if we were there every night. A lot of the people who play in local reggae bands are anxious to see the Master of Music in action. No one seems to know how he does it year after year, album after album, concert after concert. I think it's a gift from Jah, a mission from Jah…Jah work must be done.

Charleston, SC - Music Farm

2001-10-04T00:31:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Here, we get more evidence of the fan base that literally follows the Burning Spear whenever and where ever possible. So many of the fans come up and tell about the shows they've attended throughout the week and how much they enjoyed themselves. It's good to know that we've taken part in spreading this most important message.

The venue itself is like a place that belongs on a farm and they have a slogan that says: 'Spirited music harvested nightly'. This night will certainly fit that description…and the audience will testify to that!

Chapel Hill, NC - Cat's Cradle

2001-10-03T00:29:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Another of the really fun stops on the tour. They all have something special, but I like Chapel Hill because of the friends we meet up with after a year's time. James has friends and family in the area and we get to meet some of them. It's fun watching them interact.

People seem to come from all around for this show. We meet a large group of people from Boone and another group from Asheville, who have moved to Chapel Hill. Tonight's show will be well worth the wait and worth the time spent getting here.

Colombia, SC - Elbow Room

2001-10-02T00:26:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

After a travel day, it's time for what will start as a shopping day. Tedo spots a pawn shop across the street from the hotel and I spot a laundromat. He and Virgo find some serious bargains on video equipment. Actually Sylvan found something too.

The venue being across the street allows a lot of exploration of the general area and makes for a pretty relaxed prelude to showtime.

Feels like a college crowd…might be a college nearby, but I didn't see it, or evidence other than the apparent age of the people.

The room has challenging acoustics and Virgo will have to call on some of his patented magic for this one. Some rooms are friendlier to a musician than others. The energy of the audience is incredible tonight. Real give and take happens and it feels great…!

Huntsville, Al - Big Spring Jam

2001-09-30T00:25:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The place feels like an extension of Nashville, Tennessee, with its underlying emphasis on country/western music. It seems everywhere you go, you hear it on the radio. I guess it's one of the varieties of roots music that is native to these United States. Actually, it's good to see people into their music the same way we're into reggae.

Closer to the concert venue, the atmosphere is one of a giant carnival; there are countless booths and vendors selling anything from cowboy boots, and American flags to crocodile kabobs. I actually tried one and liked it. James and I bought barbequed turkey wings from a man across from the hotel and walked the roughly half mile to the stage. On the way he remarked that Smokey Robinson was to play as well, but on a different stage and at the same time as us. As great as it is to encounter the other great musicians that we do, it's equally disappointing to miss them when we know they are in town at the same time.

The band that played right before us was a country band…I can't remember their name; it seems I'm not very good at that. I do remember that they sounded really good and that they had a female bass player. I tried to imagine the kinds of dues she must have paid to find a place in that musical community. When they finished, it seemed like an intersection, where the cars are different each time the light catches them. It seemed like all the country music folks had left and were replaced by reggae faithful. It only seemed that way, though. As we left the stage, there were several who remarked at how they hadn't heard reggae music before and that they would have to get as much as possible, now that they've been a part of the Burning experience.

Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle

2001-09-29T00:24:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Excellent vibe here. Atlanta has a feel that's hard to come by; a real forward looking vibe. For a visitor, it feels like Atlanta is trying to drag the rest of the country into the twenty-first century. True to their tradition of southern hospitality, we're greeted at the hotel by friends of Burning Spear…another indication of the lives he has touched over the years. The people remember and want to express their appreciation.

Chattanooga, TN - Nightfall

2001-09-28T00:22:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The ride today wasn't so long and we all came off the bus without that antsiness that comes from long drives. It didn't hurt that we got a glass of 'Gillie punch' to smooth out some of the bumps along the way, or that Sylvan worked some of his patented magic in the 'kitchen' and some of us got a really good home-style meal. It reminded me of the time he cooked up some escovich fish with some rice and peas and fried plantain. Mr. Rodney said it was some of the best food he's had on the road, and he isn't easy to please. I have to agree with him. We were also greeted by Morty and Hamsa, our friends from Fayetteville, Arkansas. It's always good to see them.

Knoxville, TN - Sundown In The City

2001-09-27T00:19:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Great outdoors! Reggae music! We're coming to the end of the festival scheduling for this tour. This one has lots of different flavors to it. It's not happening in the countryside, but in the middle of the Downtown section of town. This is a country music town, but the reggae faithful are out in large numbers for the Burning Spear show. In fact, from some of the conversation, I learn that the country music public actually has a lot of reggae fans. Well, we're gonna give you something to whoop and holler about!!

Bloomington, IN - Axis

2001-09-26T23:45:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Today I use the downtime provided by the long drive hang out with Cecil; we have a lot of good laughs. His personality is really easy going, but you know he has a strong serious side. It's also fun listening to him talk about his favorite musicians; his language is colorful and humorous. We're constantly exchanging ideas about this guitarist or that…I basically egg him on so I can get some info.

Today is going to move slowly…it takes concentration to keep it that way, but today is one of those days when conserving energy is the thing to do. I stay in my room after running a few mundane errands and practicing…

Ferndale, MI - The Magic Bag

2001-09-25T23:44:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The long drive from Minneapolis to Ferndale emphasizes the importance of mental conditioning as well as physical. You need to have a means of entertaining yourself when the ride is longer than an hour or two. This is generally the life of the traveling musician…unfortunately most don't get a chance to do their traveling in a comfortable bus with people they like, the way we do.

The percussion of dominoes fills the living room area of the bus and mingles with the smell of Sylvan's home-away-from-home style meals. I don't know how he does it. He cooks as well in a microwave oven as most of us could on a full featured stove…

Of course, Tedo is keeping the mood right with a great combination of humor and music. You may not hear them when the band hits the stage, but these two Rastamen make life on the road a whole lot easier.

Minneapolis, MN - First Ave.

2001-09-24T23:41:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Immediately upon arrival, we get a taste of the change in seasons. Minneapolis is chilly and we imagine what winter must be like. It's a stone's throw from Canada and the Canadian breeze envelopes us. It's not surprising that it feels like winter already. You look at the calendar and realize that winter is just around the corner and for those of us who live in or around New York, this is only a preview of what is to come at the end of the tour.

Minneapolis is a place with a vibrant musical culture and its share of local stars, Prince being the most notable of them. These places motivate us to perform at an even higher level, since we know the kind of music the people are accustomed to. We can't wait to show them, once again, that we fit amongst them.

Boise, ID

2001-09-23T23:38:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

13:00
We're hanging out on the bus, waiting for a replacement,since this one has broken down. You can see on everyone's faces that they will miss their home away from home. We've gotten so used to it…everyone has their own bed…their own personal space. Now, we're expecting a sit-down bus without beds, without microwave oven and without running water, for drinking washing and/or cooking. Separation anxiety is probably next…fortunately, the wait will be short, both for the replacement and the return of our beloved "Silver Streak." Both James and myself are busy w/our computers making MP3 conversions of some of our favorite tunes for later listening. Perfect for the times when you just have to 'get away from it all'. And of course, I'm writing to you, the thousands of Burning Spear fans worldwide. We've taken some time to critique last night's show and for the most part, everyone is in agreement that the show went well. The audience was hyped and ready for a real party, and they got what they were after.

15:30
Finally a bus has arrived to take us the remainder of the way to our rest stop. since we're traveling for more than a day, we'll cut the drive in half; part today and the rest tomorrow. That will allow us to rest and still get to Minneapolis on time. The time was basically used for rest and relaxation; James and I tossed the football around for a while and worked up a little sweat, while Virgo tried to remedy a problem with the satellite TV hookup; it's football season and neither Virgo, James or myself want to miss anything if we don't have to.

15:45
It turns out that Virgo is listening to one of the football games on the radio; he bought a clock radio a couple of days ago and it's coming in handy. What else is a football fan to do…

Boise, ID - Big Easy

2001-09-22T23:37:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

James and I double up again. I think that will be the case for the next couple of days. It makes you really appreciate not only the times when you have your own room, but the company of each other as well. Often the personal vibe between musicians has a huge impact on the music you make when you come together. Unity is one of the things Mr. Rodney emphasizes, and it really pays when there's unity among people. Unity is strength…

Seattle, WA - The Showbox

2001-09-20T23:35:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

James and I ride the mono rail. We're still on a 'high' from the Portland show. The vibe was so nice. Now, it's time to spread it around… there's an audience in Seattle just waiting to get in on the act!

Being here shows me how little I know about the character of different cities in this giant country of ours. I always imagined Seattle as this sleepy green village in the middle of Washington State. Instead I found a major metropolitan center with all the ingredients of any other big city… all except the noise. That was really a big surprise. My mind never seems able to separate noise from city life. James and I take the monorail to the show. It's a good way to see some of the sights of Seattle without losing time.

On the other hand, the land is green and smells good. There's also a no smoking rule in effect in the venue and other places. It's good for the lungs of horn players and vocalists. Clean air helps make clean music…

Portland, OR

2001-09-19T23:32:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Early morning (about 6am)
The bus has returned. Had to transfer all our belongings back to their original places after not knowing how long it would be before the 'Silver Streak' would meet us again. We're happy about the reunion. Now, it's time to head out en route to Portland, Oregon.

On the way, we're treated to what we call "Gillie Punch", after Gillie Spence, the rhythm guitarist. I think the ingredients are sweet corn (not cream corn), sweet evaporated milk, Guiness Stout, oats and nutmeg…blended with tender loving care. To borrow the words of James: 'When he gets that recipe going, there's nothing else happening.' After a mug of Gillie's special blend, sleep comes easily. I'll wake up in Portland.

Soundcheck
Mr. Rodney introduces the band to a classic: 'People Get Ready'. Actually he showed us some of this last week, but now, he's showing us in greater detail, the overall structure of the tune. He arranges a horn line, since the original didn't have a horn track. It's amazing how he seems to have the musical ideas right when they're needed. He scat sings the line and James puts it on paper. The process is lightning quick and within three minutes the horn section has a new assignment and we can actually play. You can hear the tune take shape…can't wait to get this one on stage.

Eugene, OR - McDonald Theatre

2001-09-18T23:31:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

It was a long ride. One where everybody helped the other get through. No one could really stretch out, as we would have on the 'Streak', comfortable in our bunks. No microwave, or refrigerator. 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.' We can't wait to get off the bus and into our rooms, where we can get a short nap, since we didn't get in as soon as we would have liked…actually we got in about four hours later than we would have otherwise.

Sacramento, CA

2001-09-17T23:30:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Walked in mall, did post office errands and noticed the immediate change in security procedures, including the presence of metal detectors. The venue is even taking a page out of that book and searching patrons at the door.

Dana Point, CA - Doheny State Beach

2001-09-16T23:07:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

We're having bus trouble. It seems to be the radiator and we don't know, right now, how long it will be before we get moving.

Two hours later
The radiator is fixed and we can move. It promises to be a long drive, and a couple of us started getting antsy. But now, we can get back to our respective routines. It seems everyone has a ritual for long drives. For Tedo, Deep, Virgo and Dave, it starts with a spirited game of dominoes.

Sometimes Clyde, the tenor saxophonist, joins them. James, Gillie, Cecil, Stewie and myself are usually watching a music DVD and critiquing what we see and hear. A few hours later everyone except Mike is asleep. Mike usually keeps the driver company. Mike used to be a driver himself, some time ago, and it helps to have someone knowledgeable riding shotgun on long drives. We don't often say it, but I think we all appreciate Mike sacrificing sleep to basically help with the drive. 'Nuff respect, Drummie.

We finally arrive in Dana Point. We can't wait to get to our rooms. It's been hours since we left Santa Cruz, and people are aching to take showers and catch up on phones calls, naps, etc…

The venue itself is along the boardwalk, in a room that resembles a banquet hall. Acoustical challenges, for sure. It feels kind of strange…the vibe of the surrounding environment is like an amusement park. Somewhere, amongst the glitter and noise of arcade machinery, is a spot reserved especially for the town's reggae audience and the place will be Burning!!

Santa Cruz, CA

2001-09-15T23:06:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

A cool, rainy day in Northern California. You can smell the trees. The land is begging for Reggae music, and guess who's in town? Burning Spear and his Burning Band. Today, I'm doubled up with James. We do well as roommates. Brass player thing, as well as being bredren.

The computers we ordered last week arrived today and both of us are ready to get to work on ours. I'm eager to get my journal entries out, and James has his thing he likes to do. Our laptops offer a ready link to friends and family, through e-mail and a means of doing other things, as well.

Unfortunately, mine had to go back; it had a defective hard drive and I'm beyond frustrated. But what can you do? These things happen. I decide to go to the post office to send some things home. It'll take my mind off the computer thing…

James had steak for dinner, which seems to be one of the ways he treats himself. The brother really knows his steak…almost as well as he knows his coffee.

San Francisco, CA - Maritime Hall

2001-09-14T23:05:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

It's good to be 'home' for me. I've been looking forward to this for some time, now. This is my chance to let the friends and family know that I've done well and that I'm playing with the living legend of Reggae music. Also got a chance to do some shopping for those items that can best be found in the City by the Bay.

This beautiful city has some fine Caribbean restaurants and the hotel is not far from the venue. There are so many familiar places and faces that this has the feeling of home coming for most of us. It feels almost like a day off, but soundcheck lets us know that there's work to be done today. And Dave's return will take some of the pressure off of Cecil. He wore it well, just like a trooper. Big up, Cecil!!

Ukiah, CA - Ukiah Brewery

2001-09-13T23:04:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

After a rare short drive from Arcata, the tension level is noticeable less; it seems people are starting to digest the reality of things in this world in a different way. You can feel a new quiet kind of awareness of our blessings in such troubled times. It seems that the message is arriving to everyone in just the nick of time.

Burning Spear's arrival is a major event for everyone. There are people who missed the show the last time we were in town and have decided not to let that happen this year. There are of course, the die hard fans who wouldn't miss it for the world, and then there are the first timers. Everybody seems to be out for this one. Burning Spear and his Burning Band will not disappoint them. Mr. Rodney has prepared something special for the people here. Another day of counting blessings, and preparing to do Jah's work. The music is in the message…the message is in the music.

Arcata, CA - Arcata Theater

2001-09-12T16:59:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

News from yesterday is real…The absence of Dave, and his laugh and general attitude are proof enough, not to mention, his musicianship. This thing is on everyone's mind, as it should be. There were just so many innocent people in those buildings…

Tedo is up in the common area of the bus listening to classic R&B. His knowledge of this kind of music is amazing…the resident musicologist. A few of us sit and pass around CD jackets telling us who we're listening to…or you could just ask Tedo. He knows.

At the same time, Sylvan, or 'Deep', as we call him, is doing his thing at the microwave. Deep can make a good meal out of just about anything that's fit to eat. And if he gets his hands on some really good ingredients, he'll cook up something worthy of the best Jamaican restaurant. I call him the 'Microwave King.' Dread at the controls…

The clean air and laid back atmosphere of Northern California is getting into our systems…smoke free indoor air that even a smoker can appreciate…lots of green, healthy vegetation and a lifestyle that seems to encourage clean living.

We get some rest and prepare for showtime…the people will need something else to think about. This will be Cecil's second night as bassist. I've got to get him to share a story or two…

Santa Barbara, CA

2001-09-11T16:58:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

I wake up to news of a suicide bombing of the World Trade Center Towers. It's just so hard to believe that someone would actually do such a thing. It's the only story on the news. Everyone is trying frantically to locate loved ones. There's just no making sense of this kind of thing. The horror of this will test the faith of many among us in this country. The pictures are incredible; they look like a movie, but we all are starting to understand that it's true.

The terrorist attack is affecting more than the financial world, and not only those who live in New York. The closings of all US airports threatens to leave us without a bassist since Dave Richards is home on business. There's a good chance he'll be stuck until air travel resumes.

Showtime
Well, it's showtime and, due to circumstances beyond our control, Cecil will be filling in for Dave 'Don King' Richards…

It turns out that Cecil is a real 'soldier'. I don't know how he did it, but he filled in for Dave and didn't miss a beat. It must have been more than challenging, considering how accustomed he must be to doing his job as lead guitarist. The two take such a different set of skills.

San Diego, CA - Street Scene

2001-09-09T16:57:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

It seems sometimes that everyone can appreciate an outdoor Reggae concert. Today's festivities will include the Revelations, Third World and Burning Spear.

The previous night's drive seems to have left some of us drained, but that will change shortly. Playing to a capacity crowd has a way of energizing everyone. The anticipation of showtime revitalizes everyone, since this is what we're here for. We're just as ready as the audience…

Coming down from Truckee took several hours. I'm starting to get anxious. You can only fill so much time with movies, books and dominoes. Playing to enthusiastic capacity crowds is so energizing that leaving town right away can really be hard. You may feel as though you've made a roomful of new friends or run into old ones. And now, less than 3 hours after the end of a show, you're sitting on a bus. Don't get me wrong…the bus is great. And the company of the band members is excellent, too. But sometimes, the body just can not sit any longer. Then I look at Mr. Rodney; he's done this for more than thirty years!! That lets me know I can do this for the Summer.

Truckee, CA (Really, Tahoe City)

2001-09-08T16:56:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

As I write, I can hear Mr. Rodney's voice through my window. Can't make out what he's saying, but I can hear that distinctive laugh from time to tie. A laugh like that has to be real. How can a man who works so hard for so many people be so happy? Then again, how can he not? I go to the window, thinking I'll get outside and share a laugh…to late. A small dose of the Spear humor, for those in the right place at the right time…

Also ran into members of Third World, who were checking out as we checked in. They're on their way to San Diego for the Street Scene tomorrow. Those of us, who knew members personally had some time to catch up and share some memories, those like myself, got a chance to meet them for the first time. One of the many blessing of this career and this job in particular, is that we get to meet the greats in this business.

Salt Lake City, UT - The Zephyr

2001-09-07T16:55:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

We all know that most clubs we play in have other bands and other audiences at different times, but somehow it's interesting to watch from the outside…last night's country crowd will give way to tonight's family of die-hard Reggae fans…the conversation will be different, the style of dress and the character of the whole night

I arrive at our dressing room with a new perspective about this touring life. There are those who chose this music over all others, and Burning Spear is amongst the main reasons tonight's audience is a Reggae audience. We're living a wonderful blessing and have a responsibility to match: Bring the message of the Burning Spear to the people.

Salt Lake City, UT

2001-09-06T16:54:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

A rare and welcome day off! An opportunity to practice, watch TV or a movie…possibly speak to the folks at home, or write that letter you keep promising…and for all a chance to quietly marvel at the magnitude of this blessing: life, good health, the opportunity to do what we love most, and to do it alongside the Burning Spear!

Quiet time on the road is hard to come by; there's so much to do so much work related stuff to think about…parts to fine-tune, new parts to learn, the constant effort to expand, get better on your instrument. To use the name of the Jimmy Stewart movie: "It's a wonderful life." But it's not easy! Jah work must be done… But even the most fun loving children must eventually give their bodies a rest. As James would say, "You have to give the battery a charge."

A couple of the guys went down the street to Zephyr, where we play tomorrow. They wanted to hear the band that plays tonight…I'm so tired, I don't remember the name of the band. I guess James or someone will tell me. I wanna hear how they were.

Laramie, WY - University of Wyoming

2001-09-05T16:53:00.000-04:00

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Lovely outdoor venue. One of those double-edged weather days. it's so nice to be playing outdoors, but at the same time the weather poses its own challenges. Musical instruments are temperature sensitive, which usually means that cold weather makes an instrument play sharp, or high and heat makes the same instrument go flat,or low. So, while it's nice to be outside, it's also a major challenge just keeping our instruments in tune.

Still, the show must go on and we have a large group of anxious students here, who can't wait for some Burning Reggae. No one is disappointed. The band is ready and of course, Mr. Rodney has something special cooked up the for University of Wyoming.