Six days before his November 2nd concert, Grammy Award-winning reggae singer Burning Spear took to social media, sharing a message with fans: “It seems as if someone or something is trying to prevent Burning Spear from coming to Kenya on Nov 2nd. This individual is trying to discredit I man name by saying we will not be in Kenya. We will be there on Friday.” He urged fans to “come out in your thousands and show him how much Kenya loves Burning Spear.”
However, despite his appeal, only a few dozen attendees showed up for the One People Africa Tour in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park, Spear’s first time in Kenya in 17 years. Dressed in a red, gold and green t-shirt with matching belt, Spear delivered a performance of hits beating the Congo drum for the fans who showed up.
Similarly, Glen Washington’s concert at Nakuru Athletics Club saw sparse crowds, surprising many. Video footage from both events revealed unexpectedly empty venues, raising questions about the promotion and demand of these reggae legends in Kenya.
Kenyan gospel artist Daddy Owen criticized the event organizers, urging them to “put some respect” on legendary artists by improving marketing efforts. Many fans expressed on social media that they were unaware of the concerts, pointing to a lack of sufficient promotion as a potential cause for the low turnout.
Another promoter speaking anonymously told WMV, “sad situation, wrong move, rouge middle man from Jamaica and London ending with wrong promoter. They end up messing the up the old man’s show. None has ever done a concert.”
According to sources, at the last minute Nairobi Governor stepped in to save the event. “The show was saved by the Governor at the last minute. it was a free show and the Governor did a good will to put on a show within 24 hour since Spear was already en route and nothing wad ready,” he said.
In June, Burning Spear, 79, announced on Facebook that he would cancel or postpone his October 12 concert in Nairobi due to unrest in Kenya. Expressing his support for the Kenyan people, he shared, “I man Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear stands with my brothers and sisters from Kenya. I man love is unconditional. That being said, I man do not want i man presence to add or make things worst. I want Kenya to be safe.”’
His decision drew mixed reactions from fans, with some calling it “too early to postpone” and others stressing that “Kenya is a peaceful country until provoked.” Despite the concerns, Spear’s followers implored him to reconsider, urging him to come and “consolidate us with reggae music that rejuvenates heart and soul.”
Responding to their appeals, Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney, reassured fans in July, confirming the show was back on. In a video message, he sang, “Praise Hallelujah… Kenya October 12, I man will be there. Nuh worry yuhself… weh Kenya deh worry bout? October 12 man.” His Kenyan fans were delighted, with one responding, “Karibu Kenya [Welcome to Kenya]… we can’t wait for you to step foot in Nairobi.”
