When the first note is struck inside the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann, Jamaica on Friday night, the opening clarion call will be sounded for what is expected to be yet another culturally uplifting and clean music festival for which the Rebel Salute brand is known.
A perusal of the line-up of artistes for both nights of the longest running Jamaican reggae festival makes it difficult to pinpoint which night has the best set of performers on offer. Both line-ups are worth miles to enjoy.
On Friday, January 19, patrons will be in for a musical treat with the likes of Cat Coore of Third World fame; Mykal Rose, former lead singer for the first ever winners of the reggae Grammy Award, Black Uhuru; The Wailers; Wailing Souls; The Mighty Diamonds; Wayne Wonder; Perfect Giddimani; Ras Shilo; Chezidek; Hugupungah; and the ever blazing ‘fireman’, Capleton.
Capleton
Of course, show promoter Tony Rebel always pleases, but one cannot forget the perennial talents of Chuck Fenda, Jah Boukes, Junior Kelly, Anthony Malvo and the ‘Messenjah’, Luciano.
The females are ably represented by Dawn Penn, Marcia Aitkens, Marva Gillespie, Hempress Sativa and the woman of the moment, Koffee.
Night two is equally impressive.
Bushman always impresses with his baritone, while special mention must be made of Garnet Silk Jnr, whose father was instrumental in organizing the now world famous event in its teething stages.
Koffee
Echo Minott’s acrobatics and on stage antics is certain to leave patrons feeling their entrance fee was well spent while Agent Sasco has shown a maturity that always serves him well. There will be no Bounty Killer. Instead, patrons will be treated to a performance by his alter ego, Rodney Price.
It will also be interesting to see how Leroy ‘Don’ Smart reacts this time around. The veteran crooner was not at his best last time around and must be raring to go. Smart has always been an explosive performer whose dance moves are inimitable to say the least. He is armed with a repertoire of hits and the stage is set for him to redeem himself with the Rebel Salute audience.
Then there is King Yellowman, Louis Culture, Mr Vegas, the effervescent Ken Boothe, Horace Andy, Half Pint, Fantan Mojah, Chalice and Yvad. Chi Ching Ching will bring his youthful brand of excitement.
Bounty Killer
Queen Ifrica has stamped her class on the event and should also be in the pink of form.
But Rebel Salute is so much more than performances and patrons will be treated to the Herb Curb experience as well as a wholesome, healthy, alcohol and drug free event.
Be advised to have on your checklist the following items:
A folding chair, your reggae bed, comfortable weather proof shoes, a sweater, money and most importantly good vibes.
Drugs, alcohol, weapons and meat are strictly forbidden.
