World Reggae Supreme celebrates “The Great Emperor of Reggae” – Burning Spear, a true legend and highly respected performing artiste, song writer and singer of the reggae industry. Winston Rodney OD, (aka Burning Spear) was born on March 1, 1945 in the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica. He had a passion for music and was guided through a conversation with the legendary Bob Marley another St. Ann’s native, to visit the famed Studio One – Jamaica’s most revered recording label and recording studio. Studio One founded by the late Sir Clement ‘Coxone’ Dodd (widely referred to as the ‘Father of Reggae’), is profoundly regarded as the “Motown of Jamaica,” and the “Epicenter of Reggae Music,” in which produced and established a wide variety of reggae classics, local artistes and talents throughout the development of the Ska, RockSteady and Reggae era of the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Now more so than ever, and for all times, Radcliffe A. Saddler the founder and president of World Reggae Supreme – ‘The World’s #1 Ska, RockSteady and Reggae Celebration,’ has sought to bestow the immense honour of The Great Emperor of Reggae on world renowned entertainer Burning Spear. The founder believes that this musically gifted, champion of the Rastafarian movement, and defender of the African Diaspora throughout his historic songs, globetrotting music festivals, roots and cultural performances worldwide, has earned him the undisputed title. The Emperor have not only masterminded some of the greatest reggae hits to his belts; but he too was a Studio One Greats’ who came up through the struggles and dared to fight for the survival, rebellion and consciousness of our people through his music.

As a youth growing up in Kingston, Jamaica – I could never forget how the Rastafarians had mightily celebrated the numerous contingents of artistes from the reggae industry. But none other than the brilliance of the Burning Spear stood out more vocal in their cultural and spiritual dances, Nyabinghi, Bobo Shanti and the Twelve Tribes of Israel chants. The dreadlocks would also engage in African drumming, praise and worshiping that manifested for His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. Other times, the sound systems and stereos in the ghetto would often blare out, echoing the articulate rhythms, commanding and raspberry voice of The Spear, and it moved us to this day and forevermore. His songs like “Door Peep,” “He Prayed,” “Get Ready,” “Marcus Garvey,” “Swell Headed” and many more classics, are only just a few to mention that captivated the hearts of the Rasta’s and consequently indoctrinated us as youths in the ghettos for the love of music. We then felt peace, harmony, love and respect for our elders – whereas, the rituals of herbs smoking would prevail, the fresh natural juices and ‘I-tal’ food was apparent; and the regal colors of red, green, gold and black, would predominantly enlightens the cultural atmosphere.

Therefore the award, achievement and responsibility of The Great Emperor of Reggae are well deserved for the Burning Spear – a many times Gramophone (Grammy) Awards nominee and winner, for the Best Reggae Album category, besides other accomplishments. Mr. Rodney has done Jamaica and his fans across the globe extremely proud, as a champion Rastafarian, cultural preacher of the gospel for peace, love and respect for humanity. He has become an entertainment symbol that defies racial oppression, slavery and poverty, in which illuminates Burning Spear as a true legend of the Reggae industry.