An impressive three-hour performance by Burning Spear at the Glamis Arena last Friday revealed that the 79-year-old Jamaican legend has lost little to age.
Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney, defied age as he gave a scintillating performance in front of a full house as he kicked off his One People Africa Tour.
In 2016, the Jamaican icon announced his retirement, only to bounce back in 2022 with a sold out shows at the Rototom Sunsplash festival in Spain and on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise in December.
Since then, Burning Spear has been rolling out live performances.
He completed a 22-day North America tour on June 28 and toured Europe from July 27 to August 11 before flying to Africa last Monday for the One People Africa Tour.
Zimbabwe was his first port of call and he did not disappoint.
Mixing his playlist with tracks from his latest album Destroyer and old tracks, the Grammy-winning musician kept fans on their toes.
Shifting from the congas to the microphone, Burning Spear showed why he is regarded as the king of live performances.
He has six successful live albums.
Local supporting Cello Culture and Transit Crew, Mannex Motsi, Killer T, Merciless, MC Fydale, Judgement Yard, Banso Da MC and Feli Nandi, among others did not disappoint as they warmed up the stage for the Jamaican.
Despite leaving out some of his popular songs from the playlist, fans described the show as a once in lifetime experience.
“I came from Gwanda just to attend this show,” said a female fan.
“Yes, he did not some of his popular song, but the experience was great.
“It was worth it.”
Local show organisers, Friends of Jamaica in partnership with Sound System Club organised the event.
The Jamaican is expected to perform in Johannesburg, South Africa, Lusaka in Zambia, Lilongwe in Malawi and Nairobi in Kenya as part of the One People Africa Tour.
Burning Spear is a reggae music icon and a two-time Grammy Award winner. With a career spanning over five decades, he is known for his powerful and soulful voice, delivering messages of unity, love, peace and social justice.
Burning Spear’s discography includes 28 studio albums, six live albums and 23 compilation albums.