Come tomorrow, reggae artiste and promoter Tony Rebel will be feverishly putting together the final touches for the start of night one of the 23rd staging of Rebel Salute.

The two-night reggae festival is set to unfold at the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory, St Ann, this Friday and Saturday.

The Jamaica Observer caught up with Tony Rebel last evening just ahead of a reception for international media which have already arrived in the island for the event. He noted that things were falling into place for the festival.

“Preparation is an ongoing process. So when Friday comes, we will be ready to welcome our patrons and provide for them a really great show. The team on the ground has been working since Monday, so there are some elements including the craft village, the concession stands and final touches to the Herb Curb, which we expect to be completed in short order. But without a doubt we will be ready on Friday,” he explained.

He noted that patrons can expect the unexpected as it relates to surprise acts. He, however, disclosed that Harrison Stafford, the lead singer of the California-based, roots reggae band Groundation, is the latest act to be added to the roster.

“It’s Rebel Salute and artistes have always made cameo appearances, so our patrons should just keep their eyes open. Harrison from Groundation just reached out to us and we were happy to include him on the roster and we are looking forward to a great set from him.”

Among the acts confirmed for Friday night are Tarrus Riley, Wayne Wonder, Sister Nancy, Chaka Demus and Pliers, General Trees, The Abyssinians, and Anthony B. Saturday will see Third World, Minister Marion Hall (formerly Lady Saw), Spragga Benz, Moses Davis (Beenie Man), Tanto Metro and Devonte, Stranger Cole, Errol Dunkley, Sanchez, Andre Hugh Sutherland (Popcaan) and Bushman, among other acts taking to the Rebel Salute stage.

Tony Rebel noted that the roster has different generations of artistes. This includes his daughter Davianna and Zosia McGregor, daughter of Freddie McGregor. There will also be three generations of reggae artistes in the form of ska pioneer Derrick Morgan, his daughter Queen Ifrica, and her son — artiste-on-the-rise Imaru Tafari.

For the second year running, Rebel Salute has been granted a ‘weed’ exemption under amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act. Therefore, no one will be subject to prosecution for possession of ganja.

— Richard Johnson