KINGSTON, Jamaica - For MC Mutabaruka, this year's Rebel Salute is more than a live show. According to the outspoken poet and cultural activist, “It is a baptism of a new era of how the music should be."

For the first time since its inception in 1994, Rebel Salute is being held over two days, starting Friday evening at Richmond Estate in St Ann.

There was mixed response to the changes which also includes a new venue.

“I really like the new location as it is more centralised. This is my first time here, the rest of the years the location was too far away from where I was vacationing,” said Mark Pulluch of Denmark.

Canadian visitor, Catherine Millwood, also welcomed the changes. She said two days allows her time to enjoy reggae music without being hurried.

Jamaican Paul Mullings differed.

“The band changes are still very long, the venue is more spacious, I must admit, but the show is still very drawn out. One would think that with the addition of another night the show would end by the latest 4:00 am but it is not so. Look around, some of the patrons are sleeping!”

Patrons were wide awake during high-quality performances from Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths and birthday boy Tony Rebel.

Rebel Salute concludes tonight with performances from a full cast including Queen Ifrica, Protoje and Busy Signal.

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