. ..
Since the sudden passing of reggae music’s own Zola Burse some two weeks ago, tributes has been pouring out from all corners of the reggae community.
Burse is best known in the reggae community for his managing and booking relationships with well known artists such as Maxi Priest, Marcia Griffiths and among others.
Peep exerpts from some of the tributes below.
A tribute to Zola from RED FOX:
Much respect to an Icon and a true Legend of Reggae music.
I met Zola in 1990 when I appeared on the Tonight show with Jay Leno and Legendary Reggae group “Wailing Souls” I remember him catering to me like a star,making me comfortable as I was just a young and upcoming Artist at the time. We met again when I was booked for the 1994 Reggae Sun Splash tour. Zola treated me with great respect and taught me A lot about the business of Music.
A tribute to Zola from STEEL PULSE / SIDNEY MILLS:
Well Zola,
This is a reality I find difficult to accept for such a positive and giving soul . Your massive experience has served the entire Reggae community – Personally I thank you for the exposure to the business of music industry – of which I have tapped into over the years while working across the globe – Thanks for taking time out with me in Africa in the 1980’s discussing our purpose on this earth and then the after-life… I still remember your words “face the world with all you got and and Jah will handle the rest”
Well – Rest in Peace “Boss” and thank you for the knowledge of a lifetime.
Sidney Mills
Steel Pulse
A tribute to Zola from MAXI PRIEST:
Today I’m saddened by the passing of my dear friend Zola Burse who was also my tour manager. Zola was part of my own family and a father figure to me. Over the 20 years or more that I’ve known him, he was a motivator to me and very passionate about his work. He would always try to get the best for me, my band and my organization on and off tour.
Zola would try his best to make us comfortable and was always encouraging us to do our best on and off stage. I valued his friendship, his advise and loyalty, and reminded him of this every time we spoke, but especially during the past few weeks. Zola, you have left me with many good memories which I will always cherish and will I never forget you.
On behalf of my family, my band and my organization, I extend sincere sympathy to his family and loved ones. I pray that God will comfort you all during this difficult time.
May the gates of Heaven open wide to welcome you Zola, and may you rest in peace. I will miss you. With love always.
Bless,
Max
Send your tribute to Zola Burse at zola@reggaenetlink.com or visit
Your comments below
I know that it has been a few years since I last saw Zola, but for what ever reason he was on my mind tonight. I Googled him and found out he had passed on 4 years ago. Let the record show everything I have read in tribute is all true. Zola helped me out every time we worked together. I met him while he was at S.I.R. and he shipped lots o stuff to various charity events for bands to play on. He was one of a kind and I will never forget him and how much he helped me.
GOD BLESS HIM AND KEEP HIM! REMEBER FROM DAY’S AT TUSKEGEE.
Hard to believe we were just talking about him last night and the fun we had with him back in the days of the Tuskegee Holiday Inn, and I find out he is gone. His laugh will never be forgotten.
Thanks Vip for getting this out there.