Kenyans unhappy with ‘premature’ cancellation of Burning Spear’s reggae concert scheduled for October 12 in Nairobi

Kenyan fans of Burning Spear are angry following his recent announcement that he would cancel or postpone his concert, scheduled to take place in the country’s capital, Nairobi, on October 12 this year.

Two days ago, the Marcus Garvey The artist told his 1.7 million followers on Facebook that while he supported his Kenyan “brothers and sisters,” he was reluctant to travel to the East African country, which is plagued by demonstrations against its president., William Ruto, since the beginning of June.

“Greetings Kenya. I’m Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear and I support my brothers and sisters in Kenya. I am a man, love is unconditional. That being said, I don’t want my presence to make things worse. I want Kenya to be safe,” the 79-year-old said.

“This is an official announcement that I will be canceling or postponing the next show which was scheduled for October 12th. I can’t describe how I feel right now. We will talk about it soon,” the singer said. African teacher »added the singer.

But his fans in Kenya, where he was due to perform for the first time in 17 years, expressed displeasure at his statements, for various reasons, some calling them premature.

Others claimed that the protests were temporary and that everything would return to normal well before October, and that taking such drastic measures was unnecessary.

“Greetings to you too, our African grandmother, father and teacher…let’s pray that everything will be well by the grace of the Almighty God before October…don’t cancel, we can’t wait for you to come and give us more no more vybz… like don’t be stupid, people of the world, we are one and for this new experience… we love you Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear,” Princess Aqua said.

“This is so sad. Too early to report. Kenya is a peaceful country until provoked,” another follower added.

Some have made it clear that they would not accept a cancellation from Reggae at such a critical time.

“You can’t cancel a concert scheduled for October so early. Reggae cannot stop and that’s the fight we are fighting right now. See you in October,” Don Ragman said, while Victor Obech added: “How can you cancel a concert that was scheduled for October in July just because Kenyans were protesting against the government? (Which has since ended)?”

Another follower, Rhino K’Ogalo, said Kenya was already returning to a state of peace and Spear’s presence was needed to appease the population with his music.

“Mama Land Kenya is calling once again. October is far away so no need to cancel the show after all there is peace in Kenya. That said, the memories of this Sunday afternoon of June 3, 2007 in Kasarani are still fresh in our minds. Kenya is waiting for you!! Nairobi is waiting for you!! did he declare.

“We are good people, we are problem solvers, come consolidate us with raggae music that rejuvenates the heart and soul…we love each other,” Lumush Yule said.

Others said Spear should not be afraid to travel to Kenya because the country’s national problems were not about each other but about a tyrannical government.

“Don’t be intimidated by our audacity to take the bull by the horns…the ruling elite is what is infuriating the Kenyan people, otherwise we are looking forward to positive vibes, African professor. Jah Love,” one man advised.

Another follower, Nister Verb, prophesied that Ruto would soon be removed from office, so Burning Spear need not worry.

“Greetings African Professor. I have expressed my desire to see you perform. I want to confirm that the ongoing protests here are by Kenyans expressing their frustrations with the little man in power. I want to assure you that the ruling Shoŕtman will soon be removed from office and everything will be fine before the scheduled performance date. I stand and hope to see you on stage as soon as possible. Bless,” he noted.

One fan apparently expressed frustration with the Kenyan president, noting: “Ruto, have you seen now what you have caused?

However, a few people like Muthee have criticized Burning Spear for being inconsiderate.

“It perpetuates the cliché that Africa is not safe. Cancelling an event that will take place in several months without taking the time to assess the situation for a few weeks speaks volumes about the attitude of people outside the continent. But it’s still your show, your rules, Mr. I Man,” he said sarcastically.

“Postpone or not, or you don’t come. Reggae can’t stop. You’re the one who will stop. And what makes you think the demos will continue until October?” added another.

Burning Spear’s last appearance in Kenya was in 2007, at a free concert in Nairobi on June 3 of that year. According to reports, more than 80,000 Kenyans were present, some of whom had traveled more than 200 kilometers on foot to get there.

The St. Ann native, who took his name from a military award bestowed by Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of independent Kenya, came out of retirement from live performances in 2022, returning to the stage after a decade-long absence.

Burning Spear began their recording career in 1969, writing songs about Marcus Garvey, repatriation and black oppression.

The six-time Grammy Award nominee has released more than 25 albums throughout his musical career, winning the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album twice for its 2000 release. Call to Rastafarians and again in 2009 for Jah is real.

He was also awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in 2007 for his contribution to the music industry.

Burning Spear achieved resounding success with their classic album, Marcus Garveyreleased by Island Records. His other albums include Dry and heavy (1977) and Social life (1978). He has also released several live albums, mainly due to his extensive touring over the decades.