Former Prime Minister Percival Patterson ON, OCC, PC, QC was keynote speaker at the recent December launch of 2015 Rebel Salute themed “The Preservation of Reggae”. The actual show is set for January 16-17, 2015 at the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove (formerly Richmond Estate), Priory in St Ann.
Even more passionate now than his tenure as prime minister, he was fully supportive of the Rebel Salute staging. He pinpointed that “Jamaicans have the most sophisticated taste for music”, and spoke of the power of music to create harmony. He then added that “Jamaica should be a mecca to the world” as he encouraged unity among members of the culture industry in order to achieve success.
Mr Patterson said that “The way people go to Las Vegas for shows they must come here [Jamaica] for music.
He congratulated the Rastafari movement. In a quick moment he seized the opportunity to issue a public appeal for Jamaica to explore the economic benefit of marijuana (ganja). He said “It is too valuable to go up in smoke… it is our green gold”.
More excitedly Patterson lauded Patrick “Tony Rebel” Barrett OD JP for having ascended to become a top businessman and promoter through the successful staging of Rebel Salute. The former prime minister also commended Barrett for the ‘icing on the cake’ which he pointed out as being Mr Barrett’s generous donations and community in medical and valuable impact in schools. Further he added the children scholarship launched by the Rebel Salute Foundation.
Dr Michael Abraham s played host, shared a few jokes and kept the evenings proceedings at the Countryside Club joyful. Special invited guests included Her Worship, The Mayor of Kingston Councillor Angela Brown-Burke, High Commission of South Africa to Jamaica Mathu Theda Joyini.
The focus of the 22ndstaging of the Rebel Salute event in Jamaica was not to be thwarted however. The entertainment package was a delightful appetizer for the eventual January 16-17 event.. From the lineup of slated prolific performers for the eventual event, artistes such as the Third World band, Queen Ifrica, Cornell Campbell, and two of Patrick “Tony Rebel” Barrett’s children–Daviannah and Abatau were chosen to whet appetites at the launch. Cornell rendered ‘Boxing Over Here’ as one of his two selections.
Short commendations were delivered by representatives of The Jamaica Tourist Board, The Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, Columbus Communications Jamaica (Operators of Flow), The Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Closing the evening’s launch Patrick Barrett elaborated on a few truths about the event. First a brief history of the event’s staging from Manchester to St Elizabeth to St Ann. Then a bit of bragging about the elements of the event’s 22 years of success. He noted the show’s success to present clean authentic Jamaican music, and remaining current.
“Everybody is on a natural high” Barrett said. After a quick mention of slated artistes he even put his former producer Donovan Germaine, on the spot with the question “You think its going to be a wicked variety of reggae” and the answer was positive.
Rastafarian Patrick Barrett underlines his commitment to cherish the authentic music of the island with Rebel Salute 2015: The Preservation of Reggae.” In relating his witness of mega large non-Jamaican reggae shows across the world, he gave challenge “this thing we have here – we must cherish it”.
Among the welcome joys he shared were positive reports by some patrons about his music and the event. Bent against those who sell out their loyalty and identity, the lineup of artistes is to include Alberoise, Atowa, Bugle, Capleton, Etana, Raging Fyah, Hopeton James, Iba Mahr, Israel Vibrations, I-Wayne, Jah-9, Jesse Royal, Johnny Clarke, Abatau, Sizzla, Fantan Mojah, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel.
Knutsford Express being the official ground travel sponsors is offering special routes and pricing.
