The 29th staging of Rebel Salute was a success–Promoter looks forward to the 30th.

From all indications, the 29th staging of Rebel Salute was a success in all departments. And founder Tony Rebel is already looking forward to the 30th Anniversary in 2024. This year’s staging ran from January 20 to January 21 at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann.

Speaking to the Jamaica Observer about the genesis of Rebel Salute, a joyful Tony Rebel said.

“The evolution of Rebel Salute is exciting and interesting. I started at Fayor’s Entertainment Centre in Manchester and never thought it would reach this stage. I started by just trying to keep a little birthday party, which mushroomed into all of this, so I’m happy. It’s a divine mandate. It’s not something I even wanted, but it happened. So I’m giving thanks,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Tony Rebel

Night one of this years’s staging was a mix of young and experience artists. It was a good show overall. Tony Rebel said he could feel the energy between the audience and the artists-as they dance and sing to the likes of Bounty Killer, Dennis Walks, Jashii, Horace Andy, Ernie Smith, and The Abyssinians dazzling the audience, not just with their performances but also with their attire.

Papa Michigan, who shared that he has been in the business for more than 45 years, brought his son Ramesh on stage for his debut.

Tony Rebel was pleased with the first night

“At the end of all that, we saw Louie Culture as the icing on the cake. It was tremendous from the beginning until the end,” said Rebel.


“The show itself looks great. We have the moving parts together, but the performances are coming through greatly. It’s like the people want some energy, and the artists give them that. It’s beautiful,” he noted.

Tony Rebel

Night two was another banger. The audience was entertained by the likes of Leroy Sibbles and George Nooks. Nooks rolled through the fan favorites and quickly moved into the gospel songs he is famous for.
Sibbles had the audience singing along while sounding as fresh as during his heyday with The Heptones.

The energy continued throughout the show. Even early Sunday morning, the positive audience could not get enough of Beenie Man recovering from an injured leg.

According to Tony Rebel, planning for the 30th staging is already stated.

“When we planned the 29th staging, we planned the 30th simultaneously, so most of our sponsors we tried to tie them down for 2024. So, we’re already ahead with plans for the 30th, and it’s going to be big,” he said.

Tony Rebel