THE legalisation of ganja was the talking point among artistes at last weekend’s Rebel Salute.

Almost every entertainer gave their opinion on the ‘burning’ topic and urged the Government to ‘free up’ the herb which was recently decriminalised in the American state of Colorado.

It seemed ‘legal’ to smoke at Richmond Estate in St Ann as ganja was peddled openly in front of police personnel.

There were several outstanding performances on Saturday’s second and closing night. Queen Ifrica, I Wayne, Stitchie Bounty Killer and Bob Andy delivered conscious, purifying sets.

Queen Ifrica was in scorching form. Ethiopian flags went up and lighters flickered when the Rastafarian singjay did Below the Waist, Lioness on The Rise, Genocide and Keep it To Yuhself.

“From the other day, some people a act like dem no waan mi talk, but I believe in freedom of speech,” she declared before performing Freedom of Speech and Straight Like Arrow.

I Wayne lashed out at homosexuality, oral sex, and acts he considered “unrighteous”.

Stitchie was well-received. Starting with a string of gospel songs, he diverted to some of the secular numbers that made him a big dancehall draw in the 1980s and 1990s.

The crowd cheered as Stitchie took them down memory lane with Wear Yu Size, Hello Carol, Broad Hip and Small Waist, Bun it Dung and The Governor.

Regarded as one of reggae’s most influential songwriters, singer Bob Andy could do no wrong. Although many of his hit songs were recorded before they were born, younger patrons sang along to Fire Burning and Too Experienced.

It was minutes after 7:00 am when Bounty Killer, performing as Rodney Pryce (his given name) took the stage. Weary patrons found renewed energy and saluted the deejay on Fed Up, Look, Sufferer, Down Inna The Ghetto and Book Book Book.

The youngest act, eight-year-old Wayne J, made his second appearance at Rebel Salute. He commanded attention with songs like Underaged Drinking and Hard Work (The Key to Success).

Jah Bouks, Ginjah, Admiral Tibet, Teflon, Bushman, Pinchers, Big Youth and Terry Linen also turned in solid performances.

Some entertainers overstayed their welcome. Edi Fitzroy, Louie Culture and Leroy Sibbles were among the guilty parties.

“I am a lover of authentic reggae music but it’s kind of irritating sometimes as some of these acts don’t know when to leave the stage. There are other acts left to perform and we have been standing and wetting up in the rain to see them,” said Patrick Reynolds.

Long band changes, a grouse of opening night, again frustrated fans.

Ironically, when the Jamaica Observer exited the venue at 7:50 am, another band change was in progress for the performances of Jah Cure and Capelton.