Kenyans Upset Over Burning Spear’s “Premature” Cancellation Of October 12 Reggae Concert In Nairobi

Burning Spear’s Kenyan fans are up in arms over his recent announcement that he will cancel or postpone his concert, which is scheduled for the country’s capital, Nairobi, on October 12 this year.

Two days ago, the Marcus Garvey artist took to Facebook to tell his 1.7 million followers that while he supports his Kenyan “brothers and sisters,” he has misgivings about traveling to the East African country, which has been in the throes of protests against its president, William Ruto, since the beginning of June.

“Greetings Kenya. 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,” the 79-year-old shared.

“This is an official announcement I man will cancel or postpone the upcoming show that was scheduled for October 12th. I cannot describe how I feel at this time. We will talk soon,” the African Teacher singer added.

But his fans in Kenya, where he was set to perform for the first time in 17 years, expressed displeasure at his pronouncements, for various reasons, some labeling it premature.

Others claimed that the protests are temporary and everything will be back to normal long before October, and that taking such drastic action, was unnecessary.

“Greetings to you too our African granny father and a teacher….let’s pray everything will be okay by the grace of the highest Almighty God before October…don’t cancel we are longing for you to come and gives us so more vybz….e.g not stupid, the people of the world we are one and to this new experience…we love you Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear,” Princess Aqua said.

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

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

“You cannot cancel a show for Oct this early. Reggae cannot stop and that is the fight we are on right now. See you in October,” Don Ragman stated, while Victor Obech added: “How do you cancel a show that was scheduled for October in July just because Kenyans were protesting against the government? (Which has since ended bytheway)?”

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

“Mama Land Kenya is calling one more time. October is way to far,so no need to cancel the show after all peace is prevailing bigtime in Kenya. Having said so the memories of that Sunday afternoon 3 June 2007 in kasarani are still fresh in our minds. Kenya Awaits!! Nairobi Awaits!!” he declared.

“We are good pple the are being solved come and consolidate us with raggae music that rejuvenates heart and soul..we love each other,” Lumush Yule said.

Others said that Spear ought not to be scared to travel to Kenya as the country’s nationals issues were not with each other but with a tyrannical government.

“Don’t be cowed by our audacity to handle the bull by the horns..the ruling elite is what is riling the Kenyan people , otherwise we look forward to some positive vibes African Teacher. Jah Love,” one man advised.

Another follower, Nister Verb, prophesied that Ruto would soon be ejected from office, so Burning Spear should not fret.

“Greetings African teacher. I man expressed my desire to see you performing. I man wish to confirm to you that , the ongoing protests here are expressed by kenyans who’re expressing their frustrations from the shortman in power. I man wish to assure you that the Shoŕtman in power will soon be removed and things shall go well before the planned show date. I man stand tall and logging to see you on stage soonest. Bless up,” he noted.

One fan seemingly vented his frustration at the Kenyan president, noting, “Ruto, have you seen now what you’ve caused?”

A few like Muthee, however, upbraided Burning Spear for being inconsiderate.

“This is perpetuating the trope that Africa is not safe. Cancelling an event that is months away without pausing to assess the situation for even a couple of weeks says a lot about the attitude of people outside the continent. All the same your show, your rules Mr I man ,” he said sarcastically.

“Postpone or not or even you don’t come Reggae can’t stop. It’s you who’ll stop. And what makes you think demos will continue up to October?” another added.

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

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

Burning Spear began his recording career in 1969, penning songs about Marcus Garvey and the repatriation, and the oppression of the black race.

The six-time Grammy nominee has released more than 25 albums throughout his music career, copping the Grammy Award twice for Best Reggae Album for his 2000 release Calling Rastafari 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 breakthrough success with his classic album, Marcus Garvey, which was released by Island Records. His other albums include Dry and Heavy (1977) and Social Living (1978). He has also had several live albums due mainly to his extensive touring over the decades.