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Tony Rebel was in an upbeat mood at Jewel Paradise Cove Resort and Spa in Runaway Bay, St Ann, yesterday as the Rebel Salute team launched the annual show in the host parish for the second year. Thousands of patrons are expected to journey to Richmond Estate in Priory for the January 17 and 18 show that will feature legends and current heavyweights in the reggae music industry.
As in other years, the line-up is a who’s who of positive Jamaican music. The event features a Wailers rebirth with Bunny Wailer teaming up with Damian Marley and Andrew Tosh to simulate the pioneering reggae group formed half a century ago.
Luciano, Capleton, I-Wayne, Jah Cure, Queen Ifrica, Ginjah, Bushman, Little Hero, Louie Culture, Pinchers, Terry Linen, Bugle, Rodney Price, and gospel artistes Lt Stitchie and Omari are on the line-up along with Rebel himself.
Reggae veterans such as John Holt, Max Romeo, Fred Locks, Tamlins, Admiral Tibet, Big Youth, Bob Andy, Leroy Sibbles, Edi Fitzroy, Johnny Osbourne, Spanner Banner, and Horace Andy are billed over the two days, so, too, are over a dozen other artistes.
“Most things are in place,” Rebel told Entertainment Avenue.
“We are doing all that we know to make sure everything goes well. We have taken all sorts of austerity measures to make sure everything works properly,” said Rebel.
After last year’s initial show, the Rebel Salute Foundation donated scholarships to two students at the Marcus Garvey Technical High School, located a few hundred metres from the show’s venue.
The scholarships will continue this year, Rebel confirmed, and each year after this, two students will be granted scholarships under the same terms.
Rebel Salute received support from all sectors of St Ann, with the scholarship coming in for special commendation.
“We’re just so ecstatic,” remarked Vana Taylor, chairman of the Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).
“We’ve always been fighting for more events in our area, and Rebel came last year and it was so fantastic, and this year, I think it’s going to be better, so we welcome Rebel Salute back.”
“Last year, of course, we got a lot of business, not only for our sector, but the business community as well, so a lot of business came out of Rebel Salute for the two days, and even beyond, as some people stayed for a week or more. So, we really look forward to a great event,” said Taylor. -Gleaner
Online Reporter