Rebel Salute heads to Florida

International fans who've been clamouring for a taste of Rebel Salute outside of Jamaica will finally be granted their hearts' desire, as the show is set to make its debut international staging in Miramar, Florida, on September 28.

For 31 years, mainly local fans have been soothed by the sweet sound of reggae/dancehall icons through the annual staging of the event, but for the first time in the show's history, it will be leaving 'The Rock'.

"Rebel Salute has always had a large international following. It's like a pilgrimage each year. Whereas we encourage people to come to our beautiful island and continue to support the show locally, we could no longer ignore the calls to have the event become a truly international show. Believe me, every year people ask us when will we be bringing the brand to Europe, England, Japan, America. We thought we would do it in year 30, but we needed more time to execute it properly. So we are starting this year in Florida," reggae stalwart and Rebel Salute's promoter Tony Rebel told THE WEEKEND STAR.

As for plans to make other international stops, he said "that won't happen this year, but we have big plans for this big brand in the future".

The music festival, which is held every year to mark Tony Rebel's birthday celebration, is also known as one of Jamaica's biggest music festivals which focuses on roots and conscious music. Rebel Salute was last held locally on January 18 at the Plantation Cove in St Ann. It featured a mix of stellar performers, such as Valiant, Leroy Gibbons, Queen Ifrica, Richie Spice, Luciano and Maxi Priest.

In a similar star-studded fashion, Tony Rebel said he aimed to create a more impactful experience for the patrons through the entertainers slated for the US show.

"We wanted strong reggae icons," he noted. "Reggae is international, it belongs to the world now. We know that people want to hear the authentic reggae music that is something that can only be expressed as a feeling. Reggae is the heartbeat of the people [and] the artistes on the line-up are as real as reggae itself." He said fans should expect to indulge in a "spiritual revolution and reawakening of sorts".

Fans will see the likes of Tony Rebel himself, LUST, Mikey Spice, Queen Ifrica, Louie Culture, Maxi Priest and a host of other acts at the Miramar Regional Park. Along with the musical aspect, supporters will also be treated to a "real yawdie and authentic" experience.

"The live music, no meat, non-alcohol show that patrons are used to from the Jamaica staging is what patrons can expect. We have to ensure that we preserve the elements that patrons are used to. We will indeed have the Herb Curb. We can't have the marijuana plant on display as is done in Jamaica, but we will definitely be showcasing the by-products - oils, lotions, etc," Tony Rebel said. There will also be a Herb Curb symposium where guest speakers will educate patrons about the benefits of marijuana.

"The Jamaican cuisine is unique. It is a blend of sunshine, music, love, heart and the indomitable spirit of [our] people. You taste that in every bite, [so] it is important to celebrate it, reintroduce and introduce it. It is nourishment for the soul," the promoter added.

As the show's tagline speaks to 'The Preservation of Reggae', the Sweet Jamaica artiste stressed the importance of sprinkling the cultural vibe and musical energy of the iconic show in international waters to keep its legacy.

"Reggae is forever [and] Jamaica is reggae. It tells our story, and our story is one of struggle and perseverance, courage, justice, honour and truth. It must never die. The world as it is could benefit from a reminder of this. The world needs reggae music. So it was, so it is," a confident Tony Rebel opined.