THE first in-person staging of Rebel Salute returns to the entertainment calendar in January 2023. Last held virtually 2021, this year’s staging is slated for January 20 and 21 at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann.

Promoted by Organic Heart Productions, Rebel Salute was first held in 1994.

This year’s line-up of performers includes gold-selling, Billboard-charting, and internationally acclaimed reggae band Big Mountain, Ghanian reggae artiste Stonebwoy, Third World, Kabaka Pyramid, Capleton, TOK, and I-Wayne among others.

Tony Rebel, recording artiste and event organiser, spoke about the inclusion of the multi-award winning Stonebwoy on the line-up.

“Stonebwoy has always been an advocate for a platform to bridge the gap between our Caribbean and African-linked roots. Over the years we have added performers from the continent, and Stonebwoy is an avid reggae fan and considers himself a reggae artiste. We believe that the Rebel Salute stage and audience is a perfect platform to showcase the mutual connection,” Tony Rebel told the Jamaica Observer.

“Rebel Salute is known for stepping outside of the box therefore it should come as no surprise with the additional feature of hard-core dancehall acts being added to the show, but with a twist. Without compromising the brand of providing socially conscious music to patrons, dancehall artistes have always delivered unique performances that have only ever been seen live at Rebel Salute… Saluters will be fed a staple diet of authentic reggae music over two nights. In addition, the live reggae music will be complemented by a rich, diverse food village which embodies the festival’s non-alcoholic and no-meat philosophy. Patrons will also be treated with an attractive arts village that continues to capture the attention of the audience with unique items such as paintings, sculptures, clothing, and many other popular craft pieces exclusively created to commemorate your unique Rebel Salute festival experience. Another exciting feature that continues to grow among ‘Saluters’ interest is the Herb Curb, where patrons continuously look forward to exploring and learning about the world of marijuana and its benefits,” he continued.

Prior to the staging of the festival there will be a symposium titled Music Business vs The Business of Music which will be held on January 17.

The Rebel Salute launch was held at ROK Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday. Tony Rebel said the festival has evolved since its initial staging.

“Since its inception in January 1994 Rebel Salute has enjoyed exponential growth from being a one-night birthday party for reggae icon Tony Rebel at Fayor’s Entertainment Centre, Manchester. This showcase of reggae music and culture once called Brooks Park, Manchester, Port Kaiser Sports Club in St Elizabeth it’s home — all in search of providing more space for the consistently growing numbers of Saluters,” Rebel told the Jamaica Observer.

“In 2013 Rebel Salute made a monumental change from being a one-night reggae show to a two-night reggae festival due to the desire of more artistes to share their artistic talent with fans on the sprawling grounds of Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann, which is now the current home of the festival. This vast venue overlooks the Caribbean Sea and offers patrons more space to feed their musical, culinary and herbal appetites. The location boasts the ability to provide adequate space and comfort for parking and the annual growth of patrons. Rebel Salute has enjoyed its evolution beyond size, without compromising the festival’s philosophy ‘The Preservation of Reggae’. The musical concept has expanded in various ways, and Saluters have enjoyed a range of performances from locally and internationally acclaimed artistes from dusk ’til dawn,” he continued.

Among the acts who have graced the Rebel Salute stage over the years are Rebel, Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Azwad, Inner Circle, and Damion “Jr Gong” Marley, and others.