Burning Spear

From Saint Ann’s Bay on Jamaica’s north coast, Winston Rodney—known as Burning Spear—developed music rooted in roots reggae and Rastafarian spirituality. Originally formed as a vocal trio in the late 1960s around Burning Spear, Rupert Willington and Delroy Hinds, the project recorded for the Studio One label and released the album "Studio One Presents Burning Spear" in 1973, followed by "Rocking Time" in 1974. The collaboration with producer Jack Ruby marked a turning point with "Marcus Garvey" in 1975 and its dub version "Garvey’s Ghost" in 1976, followed by "Man in the Hills" (1976) and "Social Living" (1978), which established Burning Spear on the international roots reggae scene. Carried by a voice whose phrasing is close to an incantation, Burning Spear built a style of slow tempos, repetitive basslines, percussion inspired by Nyabinghi rhythms and restrained horn arrangements, all serving lyrics focused on Marcus Garvey, African history and everyday life in Jamaica. From "Hail H.I.M." (1980) to "Jah Is Real" (2008), Burning Spear continued steady studio work while growing a significant live presence, where songs expand into long collective versions.