In the middle of what is arguable a crisis in the reggae industry, Rebel Salute 2012 was a breathe of fresh air.
Patrick Barrett better known as Tony Rebel and his team at Flames Production did a great job of displaying the fact that reggae does indeed still reside in Jamaica. His annual stage show, which coincides with his birthday, Rebel Salute, took place at the Port Kaiser Sports Complex in St. Elizabeth on January 14th. The show featured a stellar line up of reggae veterans as well as current hit makers. The event started promptly at 7:30 pm the night of the 14th and finished up at approximately 8am on the 15th (Tony Rebel’s birthday).
Unlike other stage shows, Rebel Salute’s early juggling included some very note worthy acts. In the early part of the show he had artists such as Jah Cutta, a man many calls Canada’s Bob Marley, Cali P, Guadeloupe’s reggae ambassador, Ivatar, Tony Rebel’s son and many others. Needless to say the patrons were well entertained from the very beginning.
The line up got more captivating as the night went on as Cen C Love, who is currently enjoying the number one spot on several charts across the island took center stage. By the time the veterans started to work the audience was already going crazy. Eric Donaldson, Max Romeo, Edi Fitzroy, Leroy Gibbons, Errol Dunkley, Admiral Bailey and General Trees all had the people dancing and singing along to their favorite retro reggae.
The artist turned promoter, Tony Rebel, was surprised with a cake on stage along with all his twelve kids singing him happy birthday. While they sang, candles fifty candles were released into the sky marking Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as well as Tony Rebel’s 50th birthday.
Other performers that stood out were Queen Ifrica, Stephen and Junior Marley, Tarrus Riley, Luciano, Romain Virgo and Capleton.
Rebel Salute happens every year in the month of January. It is one reggae show not to be missed!
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 