Kingston, Jamaica (Thursday, December 27, 2018). Rebel Salute marked the launch of its January 18-19, 2019 showcase celebrating 26 years on December 27, 2018 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston. The 2019 theme is the Preservation of Reggae.
The Organic Heart Group of Companies represented by Patrick Barrett aka Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica and their team, pulled off a brilliant staging of the 2019 rollout of Rebel Salute. Comedian Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, host, kept the audience laughing and the programme flowing.
The opening songs set the tone for the evening: A Reggae mantra by Bushman, followed by Imeru Tafari (Queen Ifrica’s son) with “Chanting Nyabinghi” and Davianah (Tony Rebel’s daughter) singing a cover and an original called “Wanna Be”. The performance by Notis Heavyweight Rockazz, backing Nyabinghi drummers, sealed the first half of the evening which began at 7:00 pm with a thunderous drumming session, which caught the attention of the patrons and media who crowded to take pictures.
The popular Herb Curb, a lounge dedicated solely to ganja, will return; there will be a conference preceding the Saturday afternoon Herb Curb Symposium facilitated by Itopia Life and Epican Jamaica.
Other performers such as: Anu Brian Gold and Echo Minott, led up to the crowd-pleasing ‘Fireman,’ Capleton, dressed in a metallic black followed by the closing performance of Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica & Nesbeth.
Key Presentations.
Danovan Whyte, Director of Jamaica Tourist Board, praised the long-running successful event and continued the agency’s support of the 2019 showcase. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sport, Hon. Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange cemented the value of Reggae to the cultural heritage of Jamaica by recounted the story of how Reggae music became inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. She recalled taking a team to Republic of Mauritius to fight for the title. Under her leadership, 190 persons changed their vote of deferral and declared Reggae music, a unique Jamaican creation with a global influence.
Guest Speaker, Paula V. Llewellyn, Director of Public Prosecutions gave a stirring presentation that humanized her beyond her title. Speaking to Reggae Artistes & musicians, she highlighted the responsibility and power of renowned reggae artists “you have this great talent and if it is that you don’t understand your capacity to influence as role models; with great power comes responsibility...You must be responsible for the choices that you make…If antisocial behaviors, practices arise that will make you make the wrong choice, seek help, do not be afraid to do it. Promote and create your own creative energy,” she said. In her concluding remarks she said: “Music reflects culture, religion, life itself. There is a reason why in every civilization it transcends ethnicity, background, it is love, it is life. It is a universal language…Rebel Salute is one of the Iconic things that is right about Jamaica…one of the great musical festival coming from Jamaica.”
During the evening’s events, Caribnewsroom secured an exclusive interview with Queen Ifrica. She shared a few things on her mind. She praised Paula Llewellyn, DPP for speaking to artistes who sometimes get in trouble and noted the return of Buju Banton as an example. She reaffirmed “Rebel Salute Launch has always been profiled as the beginning of the Show, it starts here. Tonight, is a testament of that feeling.”
During the Launch of Rebel Salute in New York, Ifrica kept her eye on another important national development on the Island relating to Returning Residents. This group has come under attack recently with several deaths in their communities. Queen said, “we don’t want any lives, one life taken, is one life too many as Mr Latouche has stated.” We can’t throw the towel in. We do not want to tell Returning Residents not to return. They have the right to return home freely. There is a deliberate attempt not to have returning Residents come home while allowing nationals from Chile, Columbia, China & Europe to enjoy being here. We want to see Africa here and people who love us.” In closing, Ifrica said she was Happy for Access Jamaica, a group of people who are interested in the welfare of Jamaicans. The music mogul agreed to review the booklet for Returning Residents: “Your Safety and Security Guide to Resettling in Jamaica” produced by the Corporate Communications Unit of The Jamaica Constabulary Force. Thereafter, meet with key Returning Resident leaders and then meet with the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism & Security and all stakeholders to address the burning issues.
The exciting line up of 2019 performers include: Nigerian music star Patoranking; Bobby Wine (Ugandan politician & performing artiste) one to watch; Dawn Penn, Cat Coore, Mykal Rose, Queen Ifrica; The Wailers; The Wailing Soul; Dawn Penn; Wayne Marshall; Marvin Moore; Luciano; Shalom; Leroy Gibbon; Terry Ganzie; Jah Bouks; Agent Sadco; Yellowman, Ken Booth; Half Pint; Mr Vegas; Turbulence; Jesse Royal; Chi-Ching-Ching, etc. For more details visit website: www.Rebelsalutejamaica.com
Contact: Sharon Parris-Chambers
Caribnewsroom, Co-Producer
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