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!!
