Patrick Barrett OD, popularly known as Tony Rebel, will be awarded the Reggae Icon Award by the City of Miramar, Florida.
Vice Mayor of Miramar, Alexandra Davis, delivered a citation to the head of Organic Heart Productions just before his best-of set at the 30th anniversary of Rebel Salute around midnight on Saturday, January 20, 2024. “I am here today, and I wanted to give commendation to Tony Rebel for the work that he has done over the past 30 years,” she said.
She read a portion of the citation which said, “Now, therefore, I, Alexandria, Vice Mayor of the City of Miramar, joyfully and wholeheartedly commend Tony Rebel in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Rebel Salute. Let the good vibes flow and the music play as we honor this incredible artist and his outstanding contributions to the reggae community. Cheers to Tony Rebel and the legacy he has created.”
“We are looking forward to honoring him in the City of Miramar for Black History and Reggae Month as we present to him the Reggae Icon Award,” the Mayor of Jamaica’s diaspora city announced.
“A so it go,” Rebel said jovially in response to his citation. “Once you do the work, you will get paid. It’s good to see her honoring excellence; I am happy with that. Give thanks.”
French Ambassador to Jamaica Olivier Guyonvarch also presented Tony Rebel with a friendship pin on behalf of the French people, said to be worth $5000, as he called for world peace inspired by Bob Marley.
“France is a great country for reggae; we are lovers of reggae in France. You could say it’s the second country in the world for reggae,” the Ambassador said, repeating a sentiment he had expressed at the launch in December at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.
He continued in his usual off-script demeanor, “I have a dream tonight, that Bob Marley could be here and address all the leaders in the world. He could address all the Kings, Queens, Prime Ministers, Presidents, and say we need peace on earth today, and all the leaders of the world will say yeah man, one love,” he concluded enthusiastically
Phot by Bryan Jahn IG
Initially known as Papa Tony or Tony Ranking in local talent contests and on sound systems like Sugar Minott’s “Youth Promotion,” Tony Rebel’s career took off when he collaborated with Donovan Germain’s Penthouse setup in the early 1990s. Notable for his dreadlocked ‘cultural’ deejay style during the ragga era, he gained success with hits like “Fresh Vegetable” in 1990. In 1992, he signed with Columbia Records, releasing the reggae fusion album “Vibes of the Times” the following year, featuring the international singles “Nazerite Vow,” which was initially his verse on Cocoa Tea’s “Grow Your Locs.” He also released “Weekend Lover” with Queen Latifah.
