Rebelling with a cause SINGER Tony Rebel like a Loyal Soldier with Jah By His Side showed Sweet Jamaica what a great performer he was when he stamped his class at the International Reggae Day, at the Bob Marley Museum, Hope Road, Sunday. The singer, who is also the promoter of the annual Rebel Salute show, came with a cause, aiming his lyrics at his fans which left them jumping and waving the red, green and gold flag. Loyal Soldier - one of his latest songs - began 'his journey' and when he moved on to Jah By My Side - delivered in Spanish and English - his mission was almost complete. Rebel made it known that he loved his country through his song, Sweet Jamaica. After that "Well a bus a sweat," the Rebel proclaimed before calling on stage Swade, born Wade Robinson. They delivered the single Just Friends with the band playing the rhythm low enough for the crowd to hear every word. It was a night for the singers. VC, George Nooks, Stevie Face, Abijah, Mackie Conscious and Sabrina Williams gave excellent performances. VC had to return on stage after his song By His Deeds sent the crowd into a frenzy. George Nooks pleased with songs like Lean on Me, Tribal War and God Is Standing By. Stevie Face lit up many faces with I'm In Love while The Mighty Diamonds shone brightly with several songs including Pass Di Kutchie. Finnigan and Rankin stirred up 'the beehive' with Mr. Big Man, Abijah chanted his way to glory and Mackie Conscious from MoBay struck gold with his song What If. Ghost didn't just disappear, he ensured his presence was felt - mostly amongst the girls. Brent Dowe came and left without any fanfare while four earlier acts - Richard Dingwall poet/singer/deejay, Moses I and son Jah Lando, dub-poet Natalie Cole and instrumentalist, Jivone Jelius who played the drums, guitar and keyboard did themselves justice. Toots Hibbert brought the curtains down on what was a good show.
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