Exciting news for Rebel Saluters, the reggae music festival will be held in Miami, Florida, for the first time on April 18. The promoter made the announcement during his performance at the 31st staging of the event at Plantation Cove in St Ann on Saturday night.

“Rebel Salute will be in Miami for 4/20, wi doing it big!… If you realise, we usually keep two shows, but this year we only keep one because we will be in Miami for the second leg,” said Tony Rebel.

In addition to the exciting news he also delivered a great performance. He was welcomed on-stage by patrons at 11:17 pm. The majority of those who were seated rose to their feet to hail the man who made the event possible.

The veteran artiste made his entrance singing The Amor, followed by It Can’t’ Work. Patrons joined in word for word.

Prior to his performance patrons grooved to the sweet melodies that bellowed across the expanse of the Plantation Cove venue to the likes of Echo Minott, Papa Michigan, Leroy Gibbon, and reggae royalty Dawn Penn, who delivered a great set.

Penn lit up the venue with her timeless pieces such as No no no and I Want a Love I Can See; the crowd sang along.

Maxi Priest was also one of the most outstanding performers for the night, with a hour-long delivery from his musical catalogue. Performing songs such as Wild World couples hugged each other tightly and cheered him on.

With each set, the night kept getting better. The welcoming crowd was hungry for more performances.

Luciano was then welcomed to the stage and he delivered a soulful performance of some of his hit songs, among them Your World and Mine and Over the Hills, which had the crowd rocking and grooving.

Female icon Queen Ifrika took to the stage in a grey body suit and bold jewellery that added a pop to her appearance. She was seemingly in her element and kept her fans entertained with songs like Below the Waist. She also gave the fans a taste of her new single Tallawah

The authentic delivery of reggae hits and the feeling it engendered of experiencing the songs live by the artiste themselves was something that a couple from France always wanted to experience.

“We came all the way from France for the show; this is the best festival ever,” said Hugues.

Along with his wife Geraldine, the two were spotted skanking to the sounds of Richie Spice as he delivered his musical reggae medley. He thrilled the crowd with some of his favourites such as Earth a Run Red, Don’t Worry, and The World is a Cycle. It was a sing-along moment for most of the patrons.

Rebel Salute salute is one of reggae’s most anticipated festivals for many people all over the world who flock to it for its cultural experience. This was evident on Saturday as patrons were unrestrained in celebrating and enjoying their time at the event.

As the night approached a close, and anew dawned, entertainers such as dancehall artiste Valiant showcased their versatility delivering some of his high-tempo songs in a manner that reflected the calm of reggae music and the aura of Rebel Salute.

The quality line-up of performances ended on a high with an energising, epic performance from Turbulence. He entered the stage urging patrons to love themselves before proceeding to sing I Love Me followed by X-Girlfriend. Patrons delighted in the performance and were effusive in their support. His delivery gifted attendees a nostalgic experience as they joined the artiste in singing along with all the hits.

Veteran act Turbulence closed the show.

Jah Mason

Louie Culture

From left: Executive chairman of Supreme Ventures Group Gary Peart and his wife Cheryl enjoy the company of Sandra and Mark Golding, leader of the Opposition, at Rebel Salute on Saturday. Garfield Robinson

Queen Ifrica holds her own on the Rebel Salute stage. Garfield Robinson

Valiant shows off his versatlity at Rebel Salute. Garfield Robinson

Maxi Priest puts on an epic show at Rebel Salute, Plantation Cove, on Saturday. Garfield Robinson

Luciano goes through his set. Garfield Robinson

Main man Tony Rebel revs up the crowd. Garfield Robinson

Patrons could not stay in their seats. Garfield Robinson

Reggaa royalty Dawn Penn Garfield Robinson

General Degree delivers his run down memory lane. Garfield Robinson

Leroy Gibbon thrills the Rebel Salute crowd. Garfield Robinson