The elder statesman of roots reggae, Burning Spear (aka Winston Rodney) is one of the genre's true greats. For over 35 years he has used music to celebrate the teachings of Marcus Garvey and spread his message of social justice.


Marcus Mosiah Garvey was born in St. Ann's Bay, on the north coast of Jamaica, 100 years ago. By the time of the First World War, Garvey had become one of the most original and strident leaders of the black people's movement.

His Universal Negro Improvement Association, begun in Jamaica in 1914, spread rapidly in the years after the War, to over forty countries around the globe.

Garvey moved to New York in 1916 and from his Harlem headquarters he dominated a movement yet to be properly rivaled in the annals of Afro-American history. His impact was indelibly implanted in the history, not only of Afro-America, but of Central America and the Caribbean, Africa and Europe.

Garvey Died in 1940 yet his inspiration and idea live on. Marcus Garvey's struggle against racism and colonialism have provided a platform for black pride and dignity.

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