TONY& HIS ‘REBELS’ to the rescue

AND IT came to pass that as Jamaicans, many of them from the diaspora, became hungry for a top-class production capable of replacing the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Tony and his ‘rebels’ came to their rescue.

Serving more than 20,000 patrons on a musical platter, Rebel Salute became the saving grace for music lovers who invaded the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory, St Ann, last Friday and Saturday night, paying tribute to authentic reggae, great vibe and strictly ‘high grade’.

The patrons were not to be disappointed as Leroy Sibblies drew for his guitar and went for the bassline, stirring the crowd into a frenzy. Leroy Gibbons sang his heart out, and Bushman performed an impressive catalogue of songs.

Some of the most memorable acts were singing sensation Sanchez, who gave a repeat of his stellar performance at Reggae Sumfest last year, and Queen Ifrica, who proved in no uncertain terms that she is royalty.

Minister Marion Hall took responsibility for Friday night’s show and Ifrica warned the mothers on Saturday against selling their children as sex slaves to satisfy their needs.

As good as the stage appearances at Rebel Salute were, the vendors, food and ganja suppliers were just as critical to the authenticity of the event. Artist Paul Peart’s grout paintings, mixed with paints of all different colours, were a hit with patrons. So, too, were Lennox Coke’s controversial and now limitededition Yellow Pages telephone directory covers, which went like hot bread.

Capitalising on the controversy, Coke told that he plans to produce a Tshirt line called ‘Luv Mi Culture’ in celebration of the rich Jamaican culture.

Still, the most popular booth was Rastafari Root House with their awardwinning Mango Berry ganja.

Their brands – Most Wanted, Pinch, Auto Pilot and Cruise Control – became not merely conversation pieces, but the most sought-after items at the event.

Rebel Salute is now the number-one stage show in the country, and this event can only grow from strength to strength. In fact, Tony Rebel may need to ask the Creator to allow him more hours in the day in order to place more artistes on the line-up.

Juzel Parkin (left) and Shadawn McLean choose leather as their gear of choice.

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY ANGUIN Our camera snapped Conrad ‘Sax Melody’ Pinnock and Samantha Cumberbatch at Rebel Salute as they returned the favour.

Seeing doubles. Andrew Hudson (left) with his twin brother André of Royalton White Sands.

Mai Okamoto (left) and Fumi Aki Ogatu made sure Rebel Salute was the place to be last Saturday.

Head of marketing at Red Stripe Blandine Jean Paul (left) shares the lens with radio personality Nicole ‘Nikki Z’ Dawny.

André Reid (left) with his uncle Howard Ward of Ward’s Power Tools out at Rebel Salute last Saturday.

Shaun Witter is sandwiched by the beautiful duo of Chantal Gardner (left) and Anna Smith.

Monique (left) and Krystal Radway came out perfectly attired to enjoy some reggae vibe at Rebel Salute last Saturday.