Burning Spear

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is he called Burning Spear?

Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney, chose his stage name as a tribute to Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, whose nickname was "Burning Spear." The name symbolizes strength, resistance, and the fight for freedom

Where is Burning Spear now?

As of 2024, Burning Spear (Winston Rodney) continues to be active in the reggae music scene, though he is not as frequently in the public eye as during his peak years. After semi-retiring in the early 2010s, Burning Spear announced a return to live performances and new music in recent years, much to the delight of his global fan base. He currently resides in Jamaica, where he focuses on both his music and personal life. Burning Spear occasionally tours internationally, appearing at major reggae festivals and select venues, delivering his iconic roots reggae sound to audiences worldwide. He is also involved in producing and releasing music through his own label, Burning Music Productions. Despite his age, Burning Spear remains an influential figure, respected for his contributions to reggae and his commitment to promoting Rastafarian and Pan-African messages. For fans and new listeners alike, his presence in the music world continues to inspire, and upcoming concerts are highly anticipated events.

How many children did Burning Spear have?

Burning Spear, whose real name is Winston Rodney, is known to keep his personal life relatively private, and public information about his family is limited. While he remains a deeply respected and influential figure in reggae music, details about how many children he has are not widely documented in official sources or interviews. What is known is that Burning Spear has been married to Sonia Rodney, who has also played a significant role in managing his career. However, the couple has largely kept their family life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on their work and contributions to reggae music and Rastafarian culture. As a result, there is no verified public record specifying the exact number of children Burning Spear has. Fans and media outlets respect his privacy, honoring his choice to separate his personal and professional life. This discretion further underscores his reputation as an artist deeply committed to his craft and message rather than personal publicity.

Who are the members of Burning Spear?

Burning Spear initially began as a group in the late 1960s, featuring Winston Rodney alongside Rupert Willington and Delroy Hinds. This original trio recorded several tracks together, establishing the foundation for Burning Spear's legendary roots reggae sound. However, by the mid-1970s, Burning Spear evolved into the solo project of Winston Rodney, who continued to use the name as his stage persona. Over the decades, Rodney has performed with various supporting musicians, often referred to as the Burning Spear Band, which has included talented instrumentalists and backing vocalists from Jamaica and beyond. Despite lineup changes, Winston Rodney has remained the central figure, writing and performing the vast majority of Burning Spear's music. Today, when referring to Burning Spear, it is widely recognized as the solo project of Winston Rodney, with his backing band providing live support during tours and recordings. This evolution reflects his enduring influence and leadership in the reggae genre.

Is Burning Spear a Rastafarian?

Yes, Burning Spear is a devoted Rastafarian, and his faith profoundly influences both his music and his life. As one of the leading voices in roots reggae, Burning Spear's lyrics often reflect Rastafarian beliefs, including reverence for Haile Selassie I, the importance of African heritage, and messages of unity, peace, and resistance against oppression. His songs frequently promote spiritual consciousness and social justice, core tenets of the Rastafarian movement. Burning Spear's commitment to Rastafarianism is evident in his music's themes, his lifestyle, and his advocacy for black empowerment and cultural pride. Over the years, he has become an iconic figure within both the reggae and Rastafarian communities, using his platform to educate listeners about Rastafari and to inspire positive change. His authentic representation of Rastafarian values has earned him respect from fans and fellow musicians alike, solidifying his legacy as a true ambassador of reggae and Rastafarian culture.