REBEL SALUTE RELOCATES TO NEW VENUE – THE RICHMOND ESTATE!

By Sadeke Brooks—-

Lots of talk about the new venue and new additions, as well as several performances, made the Rebel Salute launch quite a lengthy event when it was held at The Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Although it was announced earlier this year that the new venue for the show would be Richmond Estate in St Ann, promoter Tony Rebel noted that the move from Port Kaiser in St Elizabeth came unexpectedly.

He noted that the decision to move came after finding out there was a major hole under the surface of the St Elizabeth venue the event was being held at for over a decade.

Concerned with the safety of his patrons, Rebel said he opted to move to St Ann where he has 120 acres to work with.

Marcia Griffiths

“We’re like nomads, but when we move it’s about growth and development,” he said.

He also frowned at other countries claiming to be reggae capitals, and stressed that Jamaica ought to be having authentic reggae shows.

“What we have is something that is indigenous to us and we should take care of it,” he added, noting that in the 20th anniversary of the show, January 18 and 19 were two days that would be filled with authentic reggae music.

Rebel boasted about the massive line-up that includes Queen Ifrica,Busy Signal, Shine Head, Chronixx, Etana, Roots Underground, No-Maddz, Aswad, Tarrus Riley, Marcia Griffiths, Little John, Jolly Boys, I-Wayne, Tony Tuff, Mighty Diamonds, Ras Shilo, Sizzla, Richie Spice and Lady G.

And on both days of the event, he said there will also be a family expo between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

In addition to the kiddie’s village, there will be health and wellness information and services, food and a cultural showcase. Another new addition to the event is that show-goers will be able to camp at Richmond Estate.

Busy Signal

Rebel also commended Robert Bryan, manager at Grizzly’s Entertainment Limited, who he said did a great job with the infrastructure.

a personal event

Bryan noted that Rebel Salute is the first event to be held at this new venue.

“I have been associated with this event for 18 years. We always feel as if this event is our event,” he said.

He said it is not merely a show venue, but an entertainment theme park with facilities for children, as well as other attractions. With much pride, he said the venue can accommodate in excess of 3,000 vehicles. He said it will allow for easy access and accommodate persons with disabilities.

Queen Ifrica

With a shift in venue, Bryan said he believes more foreigners will attend the event.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ealan Powell also praised the event for being incident-free over the years.

“Not many events can boast that record,” he said.

He noted there will be no parking on the road, as the parking lot will be able to accommodate many vehicles. In addition, he said no vending will be allowed in the vicinity of the event.

There were also remarks from Kia Motors, Grace Kennedy Foods and Services Company, Mystic Mountain, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, and Mutabaruka.

Richie Spice

But there were also several performances.

Global Battle of the Bands 2012 winners Di Blueprint kicked off the show while No-Maddz didn’t leave a bit of their eccentricity, nomadic look or energy.

Queen Ifrika playfully did Let’s Get Silly and got more serious for Want Some Fun Inna Mi Life.

This was followed by performances from Richie Spice, Davi Honour, History Man and Tony Tuff.