It is 15 years since Tony Rebel launched the Rebel Salute festival. A longevity that its organiser himself had not anticipated. In 15 years, Rebel has raised his event to the rank of the most anticipated festivals on the island. "People demand it, it is like a divine mandate, a travelling spiritual ark that we steer." The guiding line remains unchanged: no meat, no alcohol, no insults, no guns, no bad vibes.
This anniversary edition will take place on 12 January at the Port Kaiser Sports Centre in St. Elizabeth. Expected are Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, Luciano, Capleton, Ini Kamoze, Chalice, Busy Signal, DeMarco, Tony Rebel himself, but not Monty Alexander, who had to decline the invitation: the same night in Toronto sees the tribute concert for his friend the jazzman Oscar Peterson, who died on 23 December 2007.