IS BURNING SPEAR THE FITTEST 79-YR-OLD ARTIST?

Mathew Masinge and Maria Chiguvari

IS Burning Spear the fittest 79-year-old musician in the world?

It’s hard to argue otherwise if you were at the Glamis Arena on Friday night where the legendary Jamaican roots-reggae legend mesmerised fans with a three-hour show in which he defied his age with his stage performance.

There had been concern that at 79, the legend would struggle to live up to expectations and his maiden show in this country would lack the energy one expects from the best artists in the world once they are on stage.

But, Burning Spear quashed all those concerns with a vintage energetic performance and, just to show he has the right fitness, he performed at two other shows in South Africa this weekend.

The show at the Glamis Arena was part of Burning Spear’s “One People Africa Tour” and the Zimbabwe date attracted both the young and the old from across the country.

The Rastafarian showcased some “feel good” dance and drum beating moves and justified that he truly belongs to the A-List of entertainers around the world.

He performed old and new hits including Marcus Garvey, Jah See and Know, Open The Gate, The Spear and Talk, among others.

The legend also had a good sound system and talented band to back him up.

“Zimbabwe, talk to me if you want some more,” echoed Burning Spear’s voice as he delivered jam after jam.

“It’s good to be in Zimbabwe, thank you for the reception,” he said.

In an interview with H-Metro, Bright Mudoko (63), who attended the concert with his son, thanked the organisers for remembering reggae music lovers.

“I came all the way from Masvingo after my son invited me to watch Burning Spear since he knew he is one of my favourites.

“His music shaped me and I guess my children listened to him by default, I am happy reggae music has also been given a chance in our local music space,” said Mudoko.

The two-time Grammy Award winner shared the stage with local artists led by Emmanuel “Mannex” Motsi, Transit Crew, Cello Culture, Killer T and Feli Nandi.

Organisers, Sound System Club and Friends of Jamaica, also included the services of local emcees Merciless, Dj Fydale, Judgement Yard and Banso Da MC.

Burning Spear is also expected to entertain his fans in Lusaka, Zambia, Lilongwe (Malawi) and Nairobi (Kenya) as part of his One People Africa Tour.

He has been in the game from the late ‘60s.

He joins a list of Jamaican acts who have performed in Zimbabwe over the years.

They include Bob Marley, Morgan Heritage, Capleton, Buju Banton, Luciano, Fantan Mojah, Sizzla Kalonji, Mavado, Elephant Man, Popcaan, Chris Martin and Beenie Man.

The post IS BURNING SPEAR THE FITTEST 79-YR-OLD ARTIST? appeared first on H-Metro.