Jamaican roots reggae singer-songwriter, vocalist, and musician, Winston Rodney OD aka Burning Spear says that parents are the key and must heed the calling, and accept their duties and the responsibility for the state of the world today. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Overtime Media at the Rootyardd facility Green Room in Chaguaramas ahead of his performance at the “Rootsyardd Dub presents ‘The Gift of Sound'” event last Saturday, Rodney placed the direction of the nation and the future of the world in the hands of all parents.
“That’s where the teacher comes in – you got to have a teacher when you’re talking about the youth and that is why they behave the way they do. The discipline and the respect starts at home with mom and pop. If they don’t have a teacher at home, then they gonna go outside and behave the way they shldn’t… The first step is at home – if mom and pop can’t set it straight, then who else gonna set it straight? We can only give suggestions, advice or so, but the beginning for every young person starts at home – that’s mom and pop’s duty!” said Burning Spear
Born on March 1, 1945, the now 79-year-old Rastafarian is recognised as one of the most influential and long-standing roots artists to emerge from the 1970s. Citing Curtis Mayfield and James Brown as two of his major US musical influences, Rodney was also deeply influenced by the views of the political activist Marcus Garvey, especially with regard to the exploration of the themes of Pan-Africanism and self-determination. In 1969, he was advised by the legendary Bob Marley, (who was also from the same parish of Saint Ann, Jamaica, along with Garvey) to approach Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One label and thus began his career in music. Asked about the coincidence of three great global icons all hailing from the same community, Rodney believes it was ordained.
“That’s a lot of strength to know and to see that three of us come from the same place. I, Marcus, Bob… from the same parish. Bob lived in the opposite part, I lived in the capital… It’s a remarkable thing, but did I know it was going to happen? No. It was ordained, that’s why it happened.” he said,
Chuckling when asked about the whereabouts of the comb, which broke in his hair as a young man and was thrown into the sea at St Ann’s Bay, Rodney recalled fondly the moment he “accepted the call” to Rastafarianism and what he described as “his duty” as a musician, educator and liberator.
“That was on the beach where the Marcus Garvey Youth Club used to be. That’s where I get the whole strength of Rastafari, right on the beach, when the comb go away I get that call and I opened I-self to the call and I accept the call and the call is from that time and I continued to this time: there’s no turning back, no changes, no compromise, it’s a duty and the duty is still taking place.
“That’s the way it is. The music is for the people and the people is for the music. I don’t know if the artistes coming up now will follow or go in this direction or that, cause the young people now think different, act different, approach things different… So we don’t know if they will stick to the roots and culture and speak the truth through the music, we have to look and see what will happen. Things are always changing, but that don’t mean you let go of everything that came before – that’s why I have to stick to my duty, so they can still see and hear and know the roots, the foundation and the truth.”
Performing for over two hours at Rootsyardd on Saturday night, Rodney’s presence attracted several hundred fans and reggae lovers from across the country to the Chaguaramas facility at Skallywag Bay just after the Kayak Center. The once controversial theme park now boasts of miniature golf, rock climbing and other fun activities for couples, families and groups; features many small entrepreneurs with organic, healthy and creative products and hosts regular showcase events and mini concerts for a growing community of alternative and healthy lifestyle enthusiasts.
Founder and Creative Director of Rootsyardd Dub and Night Market, Jude Patrick described the event as “a magical night” and welcomed “all lovers of love, family, good music and positive vibrations to the Rootsyardd community”. He said:
“We have created a safe space here, where families can come and enjoy good clean fun activities, consume healthy local products and support local businesses. To have a legend and an icon such as Burning Spear grace us with his presence is an honor and a privilege and he brought so much life and light, wisdom, knowledge and understanding to the community. We can’t thank him enough for coming to share with us and the people of Trinidad and Tobago at this time when the nation is going through so much turmoil and changes. He is a reminder and a torch bearer of the roots and the foundation that led us out of bondage and spread Rastafari and Pan-Africanism throughout the world before it became what it is now. We need to remember who we are and what our purpose is and like Spear said we have to honor our duty in this world and uphold and represent the truth for all and especially the next generations to see and know.”
Complete with performances from Conscious DJs Cutchie Sounds, Negus Hi Fi, Solid Rock, Black Chariot and Kingston Dub Club, as well as Jah Defender, Wadi Gad, Tafari Wisdom, Kumar, Gabre Selassie and Nyahbinghi Drummers, ‘The Gift of Sound’ was an awesome and inspiring up close and personal concert experience in the midst of the Night Market and Rootsyardd community and extended family.
