Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-04-06
Photo by Nick Gumas
There are few voices in reggae as commanding, as spiritually rooted, and as enduring as Burning Spear. For more than six decades, Winston Rodney has carried a message of self-reliance, unity, and cultural consciousness across the globe—and this summer, that message arrives in Boulder in full force.
88.5 KGNU presents Burning Spear as part of the continuation of the Marcus Garvey Self Reliance Tour, honoring Mrs. Rodney, with special guest Jesse Royal at the Boulder Theater on Friday, June 5, 2026.
From his earliest recordings at Jamaica’s legendary Studio One to his Grammy-winning catalog, Burning Spear has remained one of reggae’s most vital and uncompromising voices. His music—rooted deeply in Rastafarian philosophy and the teachings of Marcus Garvey—continues to resonate with clarity and purpose.
Winston Rodney began his music career in the late 1960s, sparked by a chance encounter with Bob Marley in Jamaica’s St. Ann parish. As Spear recalls, Marley pointed him toward Studio One, where he recorded his first two landmark albums, Burning Spear and Rocking Time. From there, Spear’s path was set—one defined by powerful rhythms, spiritual conviction, and a voice that cuts straight to the soul.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Burning Spear helped shape the global sound of reggae with seminal releases including Social Living, Hail H.I.M., and Resistance. While his sound evolved to incorporate elements of jazz, funk, and rock, his foundation in roots reggae never wavered.
Across his career, Burning Spear has earned two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album—Calling Rastafari (2000) and Jah Is Real (2009)—along with a total of twelve nominations. In 2007, he was honored with Jamaica’s Order of Distinction for outstanding contributions to music.
Beyond the stage, Spear’s work has extended into activism and philanthropy, supporting anti-racism efforts, African liberation movements, and continued awareness of Marcus Garvey’s teachings. Alongside Sonia Rodney, he has also built an independent legacy through Burning Music Records, releasing dozens of projects across formats.
More than an artist, Burning Spear is a movement—one whose message of love, resistance, and self-determination remains as vital today as ever. With Jesse Royal joining the bill, Boulder audiences can expect a night rooted in tradition, uplifted by spirit, and powered by generations of reggae evolution.
Event Details:
BURNING SPEAR
Continuation of the Marcus Garvey Self Reliance Tour in Honor of Mrs. Rodney
with Jesse Royal
Boulder Theater
Friday, June 5, 2026
Doors: 7:00 pm | Show: 8:00 pm
Tickets on sale Friday, April 10 at 11 am – Click Here
General Admission Tickets (limited seating available)
All Ages (under 16 with an adult)
