Reggae Legend Burning Spear to Headline Reggae on the River 2026

This is a press release from the Mateel Community Center:

The Mateel Community Center proudly announces that global reggae icon Burning Spear will headline Reggae on the River 2026, taking place August 14 through 16 at the legendary County Line Ranch. The return of Burning Spear to Humboldt County marks a powerful and historic moment for the festival and for reggae fans across Northern California.

For generations of listeners around the world, Burning Spear has represented the very foundation of roots reggae music. Born Winston Rodney in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Rodney grew up in the same parish as Bob Marley and was deeply influenced by the teachings and philosophy of Marcus Garvey. From the beginning of his career in the early 1970s, Burning Spear’s music has carried powerful messages of African history, cultural identity, spiritual consciousness, and resistance against oppression.

Burning Spear first rose to international prominence with the release of his landmark 1975 album Marcus Garvey, widely regarded as one of the most important recordings in reggae history. Produced by the legendary Jack Ruby, the album helped define the sound and message of roots reggae and remains a cornerstone of the genre more than four decades later. He followed with a string of influential releases including Man in the Hills, Dry & Heavy, Social Living, and Hail H.I.M., albums that combined hypnotic rhythms with deeply spiritual lyricism and rich horn arrangements that became signature elements of the Burning Spear sound.

Over the course of a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, Burning Spear has released over twenty albums and performed for audiences across the globe, earning a reputation as one of reggae’s most powerful and spiritually uplifting live performers. His music has earned multiple Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album, including honors for Calling Rastafari, Free Man, and Jah Is Real. In recognition of his extraordinary cultural contributions, he was also awarded Jamaica’s Order of Distinction, one of the country’s highest national honors.

More than just a musician, Burning Spear is widely regarded as a cultural messenger whose music preserves the history, struggle, and spiritual resilience of the African diaspora. His work continues to inspire generations of artists and listeners with themes of unity, justice, and cultural pride. Songs such as “Marcus Garvey,” “Slavery Days,” and “Columbus” remain powerful anthems that connect reggae music to a broader global story of identity and liberation.

Burning Spear’s history is also deeply intertwined with the legacy of Reggae on the River. Since the festival’s early years, his performances on the banks of the Eel River helped establish the event as one of the most important reggae gatherings outside of Jamaica. Those unforgettable performances helped shape the identity of the festival and cement Humboldt County’s place on the global reggae map.

For longtime fans and the Humboldt community, his return represents a powerful full circle moment. Generations of festivalgoers remember Burning Spear’s performances as some of the most profound and spiritual experiences in the history of Reggae on the River. Bringing this legendary artist back to the stage in 2026 honors the deep roots of reggae culture that the festival has celebrated for decades.

The addition of Burning Spear strengthens an already dynamic lineup for Reggae on the River 2026. Artists currently announced include The Movement, Kabaka Pyramid, Don Carlos, Dezarie, Jah9, Samory I, Perfect Giddimani, Big Mountain, Iba Mahr, Rik Jam, Simrit featuring Purity Attack, Subatomic Sound System, Prezident Brown, Mystic Marley, Ka$e, Teflon, Young King, Army, and Mighty Mystic.

Additional artists will be announced soon as more phases of the lineup are released.

For more than four decades, Reggae on the River has been one of Northern California’s most cherished cultural traditions. The festival blends world class reggae music with the stunning natural beauty of the redwood forests and river valleys of Humboldt County, drawing fans from around the world to celebrate music, culture, and community.

With the return of Burning Spear, the 2026 festival promises to be one of the most historic and meaningful editions yet, honoring the deep roots of reggae music while continuing to bring new generations together through its powerful message.

Tickets and festival information are available now at reggaeontheriver.com.