REBEL SALUTE 2014 IN REVIEW: Honourable event in Jamaica

Anthea


REBEL SALUTE 2014 REVIEW: reviews… See photo gallery below article!

Whether you paid J$3,000 or J$6000 plus camping… Tony Rebel aimed to please and pleasing patrons he did with the staging of an honourable event with his team. It suited you to come early, but regardless of the time patrons came, no one was short of a royal treat in what some took for a stronghold event.
I personally traveled from Doctor’s Cave Beach Resort, in Montego Bay, and except for ‘arm band’ glitches at the gate I was kept energetic and held in awe on both nights.

At the new Richmond Estate, in Priory, St Ann venue for REBEL SAUTE, Tony Rebel’s brainchild developed beyond the usual signature event this year. 2014’s artistes pumped adrenaline and controlled the crowd’s emotions from the stage with pulsating reggae and dancehall beats.

Damian Marley (right) popularly called Junior Gong and Wayne Marshall who joined him during his set on stage. Gong was exemplary in performance!
Damian Marley (right)popularly called Junior Gong and Wayne Marshall who joined him during his set on stage. Gong was exemplary in performance!

The ‘chosen’ artistes came charged to deliver lyrics on legalising marijuana, against child molestation, promoting child security, condemning homosexual among other social ills maintaining the focus of the stronghold event.
There was no holding back, and it was evident that even those who came with a solemn vow to be decent, could do nothing less than being a rebel in challenging the audience to live ‘clean’ and being productive.

Ultimate Rebel

The ultimate Rebel himself, Tony Rebel just a few days after his own earthday was all too happy to again celebrate the 21st staging of the event among ‘friends’ – old and new – a combo of over 10,000 patrons and over 40 artistes showing appreciation and deepening loyalty to authentic Jamaica – music, dance and character.
The styles varied from new comers to teacher turned preacher Stitchie to the man who claimed his lyrics bordered on being slack – the legendary Big Yute. Still the crowd was masterfully enchanted by rhythmic explosions and except for the change in its colour, hardly anyone noticed the dawning of each new day.
Legends such as Bunny Wailer, and sons of legends passed on such as Andrew Tosh, Young Ellis (son of Alton Ellis) kept pace while not so new, but popular artistes like Bounty Killer, secured their space in the hearts of the crowd.
Son of Bob Marley ‘Junior Gong’ was exemplary in delivering his package. The only artiste who refrained from an introductory speech got right to the music from start to finish inviting only two colleagues to share his slot.
Queen Ifrica in royalty did the same when she gave way to the ‘Japanese duo Ackee and Saltfish’ to provide brief entertainment through comedy. Capleton was his usual fiery self in closing the show at 10:00am Sunday morning.
Then there were other usual and anticipated lyrics, popular and not so popular, during the two nights. Patrons each had a chance to sing at some point as the varied performers either belted favourite hits, or taught new choruses.
During intermission and band changes Skyjuice and DJ Squeeze rocked the venue with selections of combined dancehall and reggae, while vendors peddled food and craft mostly indigenous to Jamaica throughout the event. Among them were owners of I-Nation offering over 100 books on African connections of Jamaica.
The vendors were all a temptation being well co-ordinated with goods and food products immaculately displayed and well presented. (See pictorial by clicking HERE)
Welcome Fly Jamaica soaring as the ‘new Air Jamaica’ and the wise and inspirational emcee Mutabaruka among other sponsors and emcees.

SPONSORS include The Gleaner, Digicel, Jamaica Tourist Board (endorsement), Fly Jamaica (replacing Air Jamaica)…
Photo summary HERE

Check out www.jamaicans.com for over 300 photos from the event by clicking here

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Anthea
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