By Janet Silvera,
Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE TRAFFIC flowed smoothly to and from Rebel Salute Saturday night as the organisers made sure not to have a repetition of last year's traffic chaos. Adequate parking was available for the many cars that converged on the expanded venue, but the large anticipated crowd support was not apparent this year.
Reggae's finest sons stood on stage at Port Kaiser Sports Complex in St. Elizabeth and delivered some of the most prolific lyrics an audience could ask for.
Cultural hunger was appeased by the soul stirring Messenjah, Luciano; Capleton, the fire man; did exceptionally without the burning of too many torches and three-time Grammy winner, Bunny Wailer, hit out openly at women who have lost respect for their temple, the body, as he targeted sexual immorality.
Artistes billed as amateurs delivered compelling and spine tingling performances. New acts such as Garnet Silk's nephew Anthony Cruz, singer/songwriter Abijah, the Bahamian Avaran, Natural Black, Lijamlak and Omar Silk, gave renewed hope for the future of reggae.
To say there was a bad act at Rebel Salute would probably amount to 'blasphemy', as each act added to the musical feast. The unbridled young acts left patrons in awe.
The spirit of the king of Reggae Bob Marley was strong. With his son Kymani's powerful performance it felt like a reincarnation of the king.
The 'Rebel With A Cause', Tony Rebel, in a well decorated Army General outfit took time out from counting gate receipts at midnight to thank the audience in song. In a little over ten minutes on stage he rendered songs such as High Grade and the unofficial 1996 national anthem of 1996, Jah By My Side before going back to his job as promoter.
The union of roots and dancehall came about at 5:30 a.m. when 'the Doctor', Beenie Man, joined Anthony B in an unexpected appearance on stage. This put the icing on the cake and confirmed that this annual roots festival holds the record for being the only showcase that has managed to bring together on one stage in a single night, an assemblage of reggae's finest artistes.
No alcoholic beverages
As in previous years no alcoholic beverages or meat, with the exception of fish, was sold to patrons. Ital stew, gourmet vegetarian cuisine, tofu, Ethiopian wine and 'Neva Tyad' roots wine satiated the appetites of both Rastas and 'baldheads' in the audience.
Sarsaparilla, chainy root, bridal wiss, eight strength medina, raw moon, cashew bark and molasses used to make energy drinks, were touted to provide medicinal properties for male and female. With the mixture of ital food, cultural togetherness and musical consciousness Rebel Salute 2001 was truly a royal treat.
The Empresses
The women of culture wore their finest long robes and turbans; they gave inspiration to a number of women in the audience. It was not as bare as you dare show, Africa the motherland was well represented as the women donned a regal demeanour.
