Burning Spear, the iconic Jamaican roots reggae legend on Friday met President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace ahead of his show at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.

The 79-year-old artist then donated his long time guitar to President Chakwera.

President Chakwera has confirmed of the development in a statement posted on his official facebook page seen by this publication.

“Ahead of his historic show in Malawi tomorrow, Jamaican roots reggae legend, Burning Spear, paid me a courtesy call at Kamuzu Palace.

“Malawi is glad to welcome a global icon who for decades has been instrumental in promoting peace, love, unity and justice through his music,” wrote Chakwera.

He added: “Welcome to the Warm Heart of Africa!”

The reggae star is in Malawi as part of of his One People Tour Africa.

This tour has already taken him to Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Zambia, where he performed in Harare, Johannesburg, and Lusaka.

Born Winston Rodney, Burning Spear has had a career in music spanning five decades. His first notable album, Marcus Garvey, was released in 1975, and he has since recorded over 20 albums, with his latest release, No Destroyer, released in 2023.