The 29th year of Rebel Salute got under way on Friday at the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St. Ann, Jamaica. The night saw a mix of local, foreign, young a veteran acts grace the stage.
Things kicked off at 8:00 pm with the Rastafarian Nyabinghi drummers setting the spiritual tone for the 27 acts that performed throughout the night.
Rebel Salute is known to be a pilgrimage for patrons and fans alike who want to experience authentic reggae music.
In the house as a guest was Billboard chart topper Maxi Priest.
Stand out performances came new comer Jahshii, festival organizer Tony Rebel and veteran DJ Bounty Killer who performed under his given name Rodney Price.
Jahshii delivered a passionate performance that saw him going into the VIP area of the crowd to interact with enthusiastic fans. At the end of his set MC Mutabakura implored him to carry that performance with him everywhere he goes.
“Me know Rebel tell you fi do a different kinda show that wet you usually do, but you see wah you just do a whole ago I don’t want you take it lightly inuh.” said the Cutting Edge host as he counseled the young star.
Jahshii also got a warm welcome backstage from Tony Rebel who declared him ‘the future’.
“Him perform good, him a the future,” said the Weekend Love singer.
Other acts to have got their big breaks on Rebel Salute include Chronixx, Tarrus Riley, and most recently Koffee.
During Tony Rebel’s own performance he reeled off off a thirty year catalogue of hits including songs from his Penthouse and Columbia Records days like Nazarite Vow, Sweet Jamaica, Fresh Vegetable, If Jah and more.
After his performance he announced that he has over 3 albums worth of new songs and he expects to drop a full LP this year.
Rodney Price also announced a new album this year during his cleaned up performance. The Saddle To The East DJ did a B-Side performance of songs including “Lord Is My Light And Salvation”, “Poor People Fed Up”, “Look Into My Eyes”, and several other songs he has not performed in years.
He also did an impromptu beatbox freestyle with Mixing Lab which added a nice tough to his performance.
Other stand out performances came from Nation Boss, Yaksta, and Kabaka Pyramid. Veteran DJ Louie Culture closed the show. The Live streaming broadcast was hosted by leading Reggae concert personality Debbie Bissoon and Jerry Benzwick.
Rebel Salute continues tonight with headliners Capleton, Stone Boy, Queen Ifrica Beenie Man, Sanchez, Luciano and 20 other acts.
