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.
