HOPE Gardens was abuzz with excitement Saturday night as the gig dubbed Rebels in the Garden unfolded.

With a cast representing the then and now of Jamaican pop music, it was the veterans of the early dancehall era that first got patrons at the well-attended event, animated.

Pinchers, the original Bandelero in his ’80s full white garb, was lively and vigourous. He delivered hits like Return of the Don, Borderline, Agony, Champion Bubbler, For Your Eyes Only and Mass Out.

But it was when he performed Riding West which he originally recorded Bounty Killer, that Pinchers sent the venue into a frenzy, especially when he imitated the ‘War Lord’.

After an encore, Pinchers introduced two of his protégés. Raw Deal, the more impressive, threatened to steal the limelight from his mentor with Babylon Come A Mi Yaad. The other performer, Macka Beard, made a strong effort with Law Giver.

Half Pint once again proved that when it comes to presentation he has few equals. Between his signature opener Greetings to his closing number Victory, he threw down hits like Mr Landlord, World Inflation, Political Friction, Level the Vibes, One Big Family, Substitute Lover and Hold On.

Among the rising acts, Chronixx was entertaining with Start a Fyah, Modern Warfare, They Don’t Know, Somewhere, Tell Me Now, Behind Curtains and, of course, Warrior.

Micah Shemaiah, who opened with the Hardcopy Band, was raw and soulful while the Rootz Underground band served an eclectic blend of rock and reggae.