The organizers of Rebel Salute have officially announced that the renowned reggae festival will not be staged in Jamaica in 2026. The decision follows the significant impact of Hurricane Melissa, which disrupted operational readiness and undermined the strategic and logistical planning required to responsibly produce an event of Rebel Salute’s scale and cultural importance.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the organizers assessed the challenges faced not only in event preparation but also by their core audience and partners, particularly in Jamaica’s western parishes. It became clear that the available timeframe would not allow for the level of coordination necessary to deliver the standard and experience that the Rebel Salute community has come to expect and deserves.

Rebel Salute emphasized that the festival is more than a music event, describing it as a sacred gathering space rooted in Jamaican culture, consciousness, and community. Guided by a longstanding commitment to excellence, integrity, and respect, the organizers chose to pause rather than proceed, in order to protect the trust built over decades with fans, artists, vendors, suppliers, sponsors, and staff.

The organizers acknowledged the disappointment and inconvenience this decision may cause and expressed sincere gratitude to all those affected for their understanding and continued support. They reaffirmed their appreciation for the many stakeholders who rely on the festival, including artistes who use the platform to showcase conscious music, vendors who depend on it to sustain their livelihoods, and staff who remain central to the brand’s mission.

As part of its continued commitment to the global Rebel Salute family, the organizers confirmed that Rebel Salute USA will be held in Florida on April 18, 2026. Rebel Salute remains dedicated to being a trusted and safe space for music, family, and community, and believes that safeguarding the long-term legacy of the festival represents the most responsible path forward at this time.

Freddie McGregor & Friends Jamaica concert, originally scheduled to take place in Kingston in early 2026, has been officially postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the island. The event was planned as a major homecoming celebration honoring reggae legend Freddie McGregor and his enduring contribution to Jamaican music.

In a statement shared on social media, the organizers expressed concern for communities affected by the storm and emphasized that the decision was made with public safety as the top priority. They noted that while the concert was eagerly awaited by fans, it was important to respect ongoing recovery efforts across Jamaica and ensure the wellbeing of patrons, performers, and event personnel.

Organizers also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Jamaica during the recovery period and shared their intention to move forward with the celebration once conditions allow. A new date has not yet been announced, but fans have been encouraged to stay tuned for updates as plans for the rescheduled event are finalized.

As part of the 2025–26 Crucian Christmas Festival, the globally recognized group Morgan Heritage will headline the St. Croix Village concert series on Friday, January 2. Their performance reinforces the festival’s reputation for hosting premier international talent.

Known for their conscious lyrics, tight harmonies, and roots-driven sound, Morgan Heritage brings decades of reggae excellence to the Crucian stage. The group will be joined by a strong lineup of performers including D’Yani, Mada Nile, Kenya Eugene, and Ras Batch.

The Crucian Christmas Festival stands as one of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ most cherished cultural celebrations, bringing together music, heritage, and community in a vibrant display of Crucian pride. Spanning several days, the festival showcases a dynamic mix of local and international performers, traditional masquerades, cultural exhibitions, and nightly Village concerts.