Rodney was born in Saint Ann's Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica, as were Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey; who both had a great influence on Rodney's life. Garvey in his philosophy, which Burning Spear greatly took to, and Marley in directly helping Burning Spear get started in the music industry. Burning Spear was originally Rodney's group, named after Jomo Kenyatta, the first Prime Minister and President of an independent Kenya. As fame took hold the name of the group gradually became synonymous with Rodney.
Burning Spear is one of the strongest proponents of Marcus Garvey's self-determination and self-reliance for all African descendants, thus leading to several album releases in commemoration of the African activist.
In 2002, Burning Spear and his wife, Sonia Rodney who has produced a number of his albums, founded Burning Spear Records.
Burning Spear advocates messages of honesty, peace, and love, which tie in with his religious and political messages of Rasta and black unity.
About Burning Spear
Burning Music
"I don't know how other people see music," reggae legend Burning Spear reflects. "Some people might see it based upon money, some people might see music based upon opportunity and access. But I see music as life. I see music as inspiration."
For more than 35 years, Burning Spear's music-thus, his life-has inspired people on numerous continents. Since the beginning, his songs have implored listeners to fight oppression in all its forms, to work at improving their own condition and to consider the social impact of their actions.
OUR MUSIC builds upon the Jamaican native's legacy of musical activism. With its inimitable dancing groove, the album percolates and bubbles rhythmically in its call for unity between races, between nations, between individuals and even between business associates.
OUR MUSIC is the second album released on his Burning Spear label, following 2003's Grammy-nominated FREEMAN. In the midst of its expected messages about love, oppression and African history is the title track, a public confirmation that his brand of positivity is tempered with a strong sense of self. "Our Music" is Burning Spear's reclamation of his own artistry-a justification for establishing his record company and a challenge to all artists to commandeer their own future.
"A lot of artists just have no time to really look within the business section of the music business," Burning Spear reasons. "There's no one to really sit them down and give them some of that business understanding before they get into what they get into. So then people walk all over these artists and do things where it's not appropriate and it's not right. It's not in the artist's love."
With his art and his business now firmly in his own control, Burning Spear's OUR MUSIC stands among the most joyful albums of his career. Bolstered by its throbbing basslines, bright horn parts and slinky female background singers, the songs embrace persistence ("Try Again"), self-analysis ("Friends"), love ("Fix Me") and community ("Together") through deceptively simple lyrics that point to deeper issues. It is, in effect, smart music you can dance to.
"It's like art," he says. "You're gonna paint this thing, and people are gonna look at this art and say that it looks like a tree, looks like a car, some people it looks like a flower. People are gonna say different things according to what they see. It's very different, what it looks like to them."
No matter who looks at Burning Spear's career, they have to be impressed. Of his more than 25 albums, nine have earned Grammy nominations, with one of them - 1999's CALLING RASTAFRI - receiving the Academy's Best Reggae Album honor. And he remains one of the few reggae pioneers still working and influencing the people today.
Born Winston Rodney in St. Ann, Jamaica, he was an early fan of Bob Marley. As the legend goes, Rodney bumped into Marley while walking through a field, and the two began talking about music. Marley encouraged him to visit Jamaica's Studio One, where Rodney and a fellow musician recorded "Door Peep." By the time of its release, Rodney had branded the duo Burning Spear, taking the nickname of Jomo Kenyatta, who was jailed by a colonial British government in Africa but rose to become the first president of Kenya.
"I believe in people who are gonna stand up for what they believe in," Burning Spear notes, "not only for themselves, but for themselves and their people, and that was what Jomo was doing."
Even more central to Burning Spears' mission - and it truly is a mission - was the doctrine of Marcus Garvey, a 20th century figure who pushed for a stronger black race through self-reliance. The Jamaican-born Garvey supported freedom and economic strength for all people, but made the African-originated population his focus and published his views in a New York-based newspaper, Negro World. Garvey was jailed in the 1920s and eventually exiled to Jamaica, though he never lashed out at the system that brought him down. His message survived, influencing the likes of Kenyatta, Martin Luther King Jr., Marley and Burning Spear, which titled some of its seminal albums MARCUS GARVEY and MARCUS' CHILDREN.
"Those men wasn't preachin' any violence," Burning Spear says. "They were preachin' about Oneness and the struggles of black people about where they can live and having their voices heard. I don't see anything wrong with his plan and his direction. I think he opened a lot of eyes and opened a lot of mouths so those people could really talk and their voices could be heard. I think the time is right now to clear his name up and set his record free."
Burning Spear's mission remains rather unchanged today, though the act and the music have undergone some alterations. The duo grew into a trio, but has long since morphed into Burning Spear, a solo artist. And while his music has always been a vehicle for social change, his songs are now increasingly melodic, developed with catchy hooks that use short phrases and point more subtly to internal truths for those willing to go through self-exploration.
The music survives in a much different musical era. The reggae genre, once a distinct idiom unto itself, has been co-opted by artists throughout the years and melded with other pop forms. Artists such as Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Stevie Wonder and UB40 combined it with pop and rock during the '70s and '80s, while Shaggy and Sean Paul have blended it with hip-hop textures in more recent years. Even country man Willie Nelson put together a hybrid album involving Toots Hibbert, of The Maytals.
Those efforts have called attention to the genre, and specifically to those who helped bring reggae to the world in the '70s, including Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Hibbert and Marley. In his time, Marley gave Burning Spear his personal seal of approval, and the Spear continues to maintain a devotion to reggae's roots while continuing his service to Jah.
"I think people have to remember the originals," Burning Spear suggests. "So to be honest, I don't really feel no way about it when people put reggae in a different form. Regardless who's gonna do what with the music, I don't think they interfere with Burning Spear."
OUR MUSIC relies heavily on the roots of the reggae movement.
"What I tried to do with this album, musically and lyrically, is to go back to the '70s, when we were singin' about the history and the culture and the lifestyle of these people," Burning Spear observes. "A lot of Burning Spear songs of that earlier times, people would see as political. To me, it's just a natural thing. As an artist, I just expressed that."
Burning Spear continues his mission of expressing his heart, of entertaining and educating the masses. He cleverly accomplishes that by winning over his listeners' bodies before he impacts their minds. He witnesses that process each time he takes the stage.
"You see the head start to nod, you start to see one movement from one of these legs down here and another one, 'til the whole body just gets involved in the whole thing," he laughs. "You have to think about that when you're creatin' the music-you're not just creatin' the music for people to sit back and listen, 'Oh, that's all good and that's bad.' You need people to shake a leg."
As they listen at home and shake legs to OUR MUSIC, listeners will also be swept up with the headiness of Burning Spear's message. The political statements are still there, most obviously in the continued references to Marcus Garvey ("One Marcus" and "Little Garvey").
But OUR MUSIC also contains deeper ideas that penetrate quietly, subtly into the mind before they reach clarity. The bouncy "Friends" asks rather simplistically, "Are you my friend, my neighbor or my enemy?/Who are you? Who are you?" On further reflection, it's obvious that the question is a complex one about societal roles and provocative self-evaluation. "Together" recalls the image of African slaves, shackled together at the ankles, while suggesting that contemporary blacks can still link together figuratively at the elbow in the continued quest for equality. And "Fix Me" embraces the power and essence of love, which Burning Spear sees as the ultimate goal of humanity.
"Love," he says, "is a harmony thing, it's a communication. Love is a link."
Burning Spear's link is a pure one in 2006. Unfettered by someone else's record company, still linked to the roots of reggae and to the ideals of its forefathers, OUR MUSIC points to a better world for those who are oppressed, and for those who simply believe a better world is possible.
"Music," Burning Spear maintains, "is a very important thing. We have to remember that no force is stronger than the music."
African Postman
Burning Spear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's an African postman daddy,
African postman, ye-s a me brother
Woooo a me brother,
This African post man bring I and I and I a telegram
African postman
African postman
African postman
Sons and daughters of His Imperial Majesty,
Haile Selassie
Earth rightful Ruler
Without any apology say
This is the time, when I and I and I and should
Come home, yes Jah
Come hold the fort, come hold the fort
Nay leggo Nay leggo
Heng on, heng on, heng on, heng on, heng on
Come hold the fort we a hold
The fort, we a hold the fort
Give thanks to this African postman
African postman, African postman
The telegram was so interesting and
essential and important to I and I as African
Bless and keep this postman
Guidance be with this postman
Providence, this African postman a Ia Ia Ia Ia I
Brother, African brother
To a brother is a brother,
African postman, African postman, African postman
Who bring Ia Ia Ia I a telegram
Saying that, sons and daughters of His Imperial Majesty
Haile Selassie
Earth rightful Ruler
Without any apology saying
This the time when I and I and I
Should come yes Jah
Come on hold the fort, we a hold
The fort I and I yound
Come hold the fort
Nay leggo heng on Nay leggo heng on
Nay leggo heng on nay leggo
We a hold the fort, come hold the fort
We a hold the fort
Son yes Daddy,
Who is that calling outside,
It's a postman Daddy
What kind of a man is he
Saying that, sons and daughters of His Im
of His Imperial Majesty,
Haile Sel assie
Earth rightful Ruler,
Without any apology say
This is the time, when Ia Ia Ia
Should come home, yes Jah
Come hold the fort
Nay leggo heng on nay leggo
The song "African Postman" by Burning Spear is a powerful call for African unity and return to their roots. In the beginning of the song, a son asks his father who is knocking outside, and the father responds that it is an African postman. The postman brings a telegram with a message for all sons and daughters of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie, the Earth rightful Ruler. The telegram urges Africans to come together, hold the fort, and return home.
The African postman is symbolic of the unity and connection that exists between all Africans regardless of their country of origin. The fact that he brings a telegram emphasizes the importance and urgency of the message, which is a call for Africans to recognize their commonalities and strength as a people. The repetition of the phrase "African postman" serves to emphasize the importance of the messenger and the message he brings.
The song is a reminder to Africans that they should not forget their cultural heritage and historical background, but instead embrace it and come together to reclaim their power. The line "Nay leggo heng on" reinforces the need to persevere and hold firm to their beliefs and mission. The song is a powerful anthem that urges unity and strength among Africans, and reminds them of their common roots and goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Son, who is that knocking out there
The singer is asking their son who is making a knocking sound outside
It's an African postman daddy,
The son responds that it is an African postman outside
African postman, ye-s a me brother
The singer considers the African postman as their brother
Woooo a me brother,
The artist is expressing their excitement about seeing their brother
This African post man bring I and I and I a telegram
The African postman delivers an important message to the artist
Telegram say
The singer is about to relay the message they received from the telegram
Sons and daughters of His Imperial Majesty,Haile Selassie
The message is addressed to the offspring of Haile Selassie, the emperor of Ethiopia
Earth rightful Ruler
The telegram is acknowledging Haile Selassie as the lawful ruler of the Earth
Without any apology say
The message is delivered without any hint of contrition or regret
This is the time, when I and I and I and should
The message emphasizes that it is the right moment for the artist to take action
Come home, yes Jah
The singer is urged to go back to their ancestral land and reconnect with their roots
Come hold the fort, come hold the fort
The artist is encouraged to hold their ground and remain steadfast
Nay leggo Nay leggo
The singer is exhorted not to let go of their beliefs and principles
Heng on, heng on, heng on, heng on, heng on
The singer is implored to persevere despite any obstacles that may come their way
Come hold the fort we a hold
The fort, we a hold the fort
The singer is reassured that they are not alone, and that others are holding the fort with them
Give thanks to this African postman
African postman, African postman
The artist expresses their gratitude towards the African postman who delivered the message
The telegram was so interesting and essential and important to I and I as African
The artist underscores the significance of the message they received as an African person
Bless and keep this postman
Guidance be with this postman
Providence, this African postman a Ia Ia Ia Ia I
Brother, African brother
The singer blesses and prays for the African postman who delivered the message, referring to them as a brother
To a brother is a brother,
African postman, African postman, African postman
Who bring Ia Ia Ia I a telegram
The singer reiterates their familial bond with the African postman, who brought them the telegram
Saying that, sons and daughters of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie
Earth rightful Ruler
Without any apology saying
This the time when I and I and I
Should come yes Jah
Come on hold the fort, we a hold
The fort I and I yound
Come hold the fort
Nay leggo heng on Nay leggo heng on
Nay leggo heng on nay leggo
We a hold the fort, come hold the fort
We a hold the fort
The artist repeats the important message from the telegram that underscores the need for the offspring of Haile Selassie to come together, take action, and hold their ground
Son yes Daddy,
The son confirms that he is listening to the artist
What kind of a man is he
The artist is inquiring about the identity of the African postman who delivered the message
Contributed by Eva G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ismael Goros
Son, who is that knocking out there
It's an African postman daddy, African postman
Ye-s a me brother
Woooo a me brother
This African postman
Bring I and I and I a telegram
African postman
African postman
African postman
Telegram say
Sons and daughters of His Imperial Majesty
Haile Selassie, earth rightful ruler
Without any apology say
This is the time, when I and I and I should come home, yes Jah
Come-a hold the fort, come-a hold the fort
Nah leggo, nah leggo
Hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on
We a hold the fort, we a hold the fort
We a hold the fort
Give thanks to this African postman
African postman
African postman
The telegram was so interesting
And essential and important
To I and I and I as African
Bless and keep this postman
Guidance be with this postman
Providence, this African postman a I an' I an' I an' I..
Brother, African brother
To a brother is a brother
African postman
African postman
African postman
Who bring I an' I an' I an' I a telegram
Saying that, sons and daughters of His Imperial Majesty
Haile Selassie, earth rightful ruler
Without any apology saying
This the time when I and I and I should come home, yes Jah
Come on hold the fort, yes we a hold the fort
I and I young, come hold the fort
Nah leggo, hang on, nah leggo, hang on
Nah leggo, hang on, nah leggo
We a hold the fort, come hold the fort
We a hold the fort
Son, yes Daddy,
Who is that calling outside
It's a postman Daddy
What kind of a man is he..🇲🇽🍁👊🇯🇲👌🌋👍💥💣✌️😎
Priscilla Ghartey
Straight to the soul. On repeat. I cant wait to see him in concert.
Ken .Doncaster
This band rocks. As a drummer this song turned me on to playing the reggae rhythms. The feel is out of this world.
James Powell
I was into Burning Spear back in the 70's and 80's and they are still going strong today.
florian doucet
That groove ! Pure gold ! i was at this show and i can tell you guys, one of the best reggae concert of my life . Perfect rythmic session, perfect guitars lead and skank, a sweet bass, a brilliant and tight horns section and winston rodney touchin' the sky, inviting the public in a wonderfull trance. I miss these days ...
Alonso Wiener
florian doucet what a treat that must have been. This show is a reggae master class, all musicians are on point, the lead guitar man goes completely beast mode, big up!
Anton Smuts
I went to Burning Spear live in Cape Town. What a masterclass !! Papa Spear had us mesmerised. They all did. Woohoo !
Yasmine31
You're really lucky, what an incredible pleasure you had to take!
Just be listening to this video, I take off!!!
Yes I!!!!!!
Evans Gicheru
True true
willie cumiskey
You will never see such talent on stage again Winston big respect
Samuel Spark
BURNING SPEAR HAS THE EDGE HIS MUSIC IS SO POWERFUL LONG LIVE BURNING SPEAR!!