adminFINAL preparations for Rebel Salute scheduled for Richmond Estate, Priory in St Ann, this weekend, are well under way. The annual, two-day music festival is now in its 21st year. “Preparations are going well at the site. The stage is already up and all the amenities are already in place. Right now, the main challenge is getting everything in sync so that come Friday and Saturday night patrons can enjoy a well organised and hassle-free festival,” said Jahyuda Barrett.
Barrett, who is daughter of promoter/artiste Tony Rebel, told the Jamaica Observer that the festival’s conversion to two days was in response to a demand from the patrons.
“We were guided by the wishes of our patrons, and the research continues. Who knows, perhaps soon there will be an increase in the number of nights. “A lot of people say the vibe of Rebel Salute reminds them of Reggae Sunsplash, and we just want to keep that going,” said Barrett.
Promoter Tony Rebel is upbeat about this year’s staging. “It’s always a good feeling. I always get excited as we head into the show, just the enthusiasm on the streets and the artistes , watching the rehearsals just gives a really good vibe,” Tony Rebel told the Observer.
He noted that among the artistes expected to perform, he is excited to see deejay-turned-reggae gospel act Stitchie.
“It’s a long time we have not seen Stitchie on the local scene and I really want to see that energy that he will bring,” he added. Stichie, formerly Lt Stichie, carved a name for himself in dancehall circles during the 1980s and ‘90s with hits including Natty Dread and Wear Yuh Size.
He, however, converted to gospel music after surviving a motor vehicle accident in 1997. Other acts slated to perform over the two days include Bunny Wailer, Damian “Junior Gong’’ Marley, Andrew Tosh, Terry Linen, Queen Ifrica, Fred Locks, Capelton and I-Wayne. – Jamaican Observer.
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