Legendary Jamaican Reggae music singer Burning Spear paid tribute to South Africa’s liberation war heroes and heroines at the Freedom Park in Tshwane on Tuesday.
This as part of his “One People Africa Tour” which will see him performing not only in South Africa but in other countries as well on the continent.
His performance in South Africa is scheduled for this weekend on 19 October at the Emperors Palace.
At Freedom Park Burning Spear, whose real name is Winston Rodney, was led on a guided tour and engaged in a wreath-laying ceremony for South Africans who died in the fight against apartheid.
He was delighted to learn that the name of his fellow Jamaican patriot and black Consciousness activist the late Marcus Garvey, who left Jamaica way back then due to racism, is also entrenched among the names of the anti-apartheid heroes and heroines of South Africa in a section of Freedom Park called “Wall of Names.”
Reggae music fans were happy to see Burning Spear in person and took pictures of him.
A Jamaican High Commissioner who was in attendance at Freedom Park Joan Thomas Edwards welcomed Burning Spear officially to South Africa and pointed out that Burning Spear’s visit marks “the historic relations between South Africa and Jamaica which have been going on forever and forever.”
“I feel like I am part of South Africa, and the concert is not merely a performance but a historic legacy and part of a healing process and a message of his, and that is what Jamaica shares with Africa and the rest of the world,” she said.
This year marks 30 years of cordial relations between Jamaica and South Africa.
Acting Chief Director of Cultural Development in the Department of Arts and Culture Nontutuzelo Sekhabi said there is general jubilation regarding the presence of Burning Spear in South Africa.
“You have played a major role with your music in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and you continue to spread a message of hope that Africa is one people,” said Sekhabi.
She revealed that Jamaican people have all along been supportive of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie couldn’t attend the welcoming ceremony.
“I am happy and proud to be here in South Africa to see all the Rastafari and all the people of South Africa,” said Burning Spear in an interview with the media at Freedom Park.
He said the culture of Rastafari is based on the belief that it is one united nation based on good communication because with good communication great things can happen.
Asked as to what his fans can expect during his performance on Saturday, he replied as follows:
“The fans will be there, they will see.”
He refused to comment regarding the Rastafari point of view on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, stressing that he was merely a musician and that the issue of the war in Palestine/ Israel was not for him to comment on.
Ras Chungu from Soweto expressed joy that Burning Spear has come to South Africa as he has wanted to see him for a long time now.