Rebel Salute returned to Plantation Cove in St. Ann on January 18, delivering a night of exceptional performances that extended into the early hours of the morning.
Known for its authenticity and deep roots-reggae ethos, the event showcased a strong lineup of corporate sponsors and an impressive array of musical talent.
This year marks a significant turning point for Rebel Salute, which first debuted in 1994. Founder and chief organizer Tony Rebel made the decision to not only revert to the festival’s original one-day format but to also venture overseas for the first time in its 31-year history.
On April 20—globally recognized as 4/20 for its association with ganja—the event will make its international debut in Miramar, South Florida. This move underscored Rebel Salute’s commitment to expanding its reach while preserving its cultural essence.
The festival on January 18 lived up to its legendary status, featuring a lineup of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Tony Rebel himself, Maxi Priest, Luciano, Jah Mason, Richie Spice, Queen Ifrica, Valiant, Louie Culture, Turbulence, Dawn Penn, Errol Dunkley, Echo Minott, and Leroy Gibbons were among the confirmed acts.
Dawn Penn, famed for her classic No No No, delivered a timeless set that resonated deeply with fans. Jah Mason and Louie Culture brought their unique energy, captivating the audience. Dancehall artist Valiant, performing under his real name Raheem Bowes, surprised many with his versatility, incorporating a live choir into his set and winning over the reggae crowd despite coming from a dancehall background.
Veteran performer Richie Spice maintained his cool and delivered a seamless performance, even navigating a brief power outage with grace. Luciano and Queen Ifrica brought their signature depth and charisma, while Maxi Priest’s blend of reggae and pop thrilled the crowd with timeless hits.
The night closed with Turbulence, whose energetic performance left an indelible mark. Though his set was among the shortest, his string of hits had the audience singing along, ending the night on a high note.
One of the most surprising highlights of the evening was the absence of the usual traffic snarls at Plantation Cove, allowing fans to arrive and depart with ease—a welcome change for longtime patrons.
As Rebel Salute prepares to head to Florida on April 20, Tony Rebel emphasized that this expansion has been a long time in the making. While the U.S. event’s lineup is yet to be confirmed, the decision to take the show overseas reflects the organizers’ goal to share Rebel Salute’s unique brand with reggae fans around the world.
