Rebel Salute delivers Reggae, culture and guidance to young artistes

The 31st staging of Rebel Salute brought its signature blend of Reggae music and Jamaican culture to Plantation Cove in St Ann last Saturday, captivating fans with over 12 hours of performances from both industry stalwarts and rising stars.

The event showcased the essence of Reggae while offering valuable insights and encouragement to the younger generation of artistes.

Loop News caught up with performers such as the "Lioness" Queen Ifrica, international sensation Maxi Priest, Papa Michigan, and others shared their perspectives on the show, the music industry, and their performances.
 

Michigan – born Anthony Fairclough of the famed duo Michigan and Smiley – has been performing at Rebel Salute for the last nine years.

“Rebel Salute is always a good show to perform on, and I look forward to it,” Michigan shared. Praising the event’s ability to highlight Jamaican talent, he expressed his admiration for Tony Rebel and his team’s organization.

Commenting on the state of the Reggae music industry, Michigan noted: “As much as things change, they also remain the same. We had songs back then that were considered ‘not so right,’ but now, with social media, everything is magnified. Young artistes should make music that stands the test of time.” He emphasised the global demand for Reggae, which keeps him touring countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Chile.

Echo Minott, celebrating 45 years in the industry, also performed and praised Rebel Salute as “a pleasure,” adding that he was “overwhelmed by the crowd response.” Living in France, Echo echoed Michigan’s advice, urging young artistes to prioritize meaningful lyrics: “The message needs to be something people can think on.”

Richie Spice, known for his conscious lyrics, encouraged newcomers to focus on creating music that promotes love and has lasting impact. “Don’t make music just for today; make it for longevity,” he advised while applauding young acts for their ability to fill stadiums.

Maxi Priest, performing at Rebel Salute for the third time, added his words of wisdom, urging young artistes to pursue education alongside their musical ambitions. “It can be difficult, so make sure you do some schoolwork or get a trade,” the Grammy-winning icon said. Reflecting on the influence of social media, he urged artistes to maintain faith and principles amid a “negative wave.”

General Degree, performing for the first time at Rebel Salute, commended the show’s vibe and the audience’s energy, comparing it to performing in Europe. The veteran dancehall artiste admitted he had to adapt his lyrics to fit the show’s family-friendly profile but was proud to be recognized as a “column of 90s music.”

Queen Ifrica, the fiery “Lioness,” used her performance to address serious societal issues, condemning sexual predators and encouraging victims to speak out. She also debuted her new single “Tallwah,” aimed at inspiring black women to embrace their inner strength.

Looking ahead, Tony Rebel announced that Rebel Salute will take its second day overseas, with a Florida staging set for April 20.