Impressions: The Faces (and Food) of Rebel Salute

Words by Jesse Serwer, Photos by El Puru—

Jamaica’s top reggae festival, Rebel Salute isn’t just about the music. Tony Rebel’s annual conclave—held this year on Jan. 17 and 18 at Richmond Estate in Saint Ann’s Bay, near Ocho Rios— encourages clean and healthy living through several distinctive policies and guidelines. Artists (which this year included Damian Marley, Capleton, I-Wayne, Jah Cure, Bunny Wailer and Bounty Killer, billed as Rodney Price) are directed to perform strictly positive lyrics with no profanity, while vendors offer strictly vegetarian food (with the exception of fish), and don’t sell alcohol.

The product of these policies is an environment that’s perhaps as appropriate for children and seniors as the twenty- and thirty-somethings who typically predominate at music festivals. It’s also a place to expand your palate with traditional and innovative Jamaican food you might not find elsewhere.

Here’s a look behind the scenes at this year’s edition, from faces in the crowd to notable names backstage, and the vendors who bring Rebel Salute its distinctive flavor. (For pics from the stage, see our “Impressions: Live at Rebel Salute” feature here.)

Click here to launch the photo gallery.

Night 1 performers Jesse Royal (second from right) and Omari (far right) with friends backstage.

Clothing vendor Mama Kaffe and artist/craftsman Nwahsit Ra share a stall in the crafts village.

Legendary singer Beres Hammond, the marquee performer at last year’s Rebel Salute, and producer Donovan Germain (of Penthouse Records fame) took in the show from the artists’ area backstage.

Waving the flag for Rebel Salute.

They only took the stage for a minute, but Japanese deejay duo Ackee & Saltfish, gave one of the most talked-about performances at Rebel Salute— thanks in part to their distinctive attire. Here they are nyamming on corn before their cameo on Queen Ifrika’s Night 2 set.

Ackee and Saltfish strike a pose.

MiHungry Whol’-Some-Food, a raw vegan eatery located on Constant Spring Road in Kingston, was among the out-of-town vendors who made the trip up to Saint Ann. Their uncooked, yet immensely flavorful, dishes like “live pizza” and the Nyamburger, a mushroom patty served between a bun of crushed walnuts and almonds, sold out quickly.

Tools of the trade: bananas, pineapples, mangos and other fruits wait to be turned to juice at the MiHungry Whol-Some-Food stall.

Little Ochie, one of Jamaica’s most popular seafood vendors, made the trip from St. Elizabeth (near the site of the original Rebel Salute venue) to St. Ann. Patrons lined up throughout both nights for their jerk and steamed fish, and curry shrimp.

Did you know the late great Sugar Minott was in the food business, too? The reggae star and Youth Promotion sound system/label founder’s culinary legacy is carried on by his wife Sharon “Mitzi” Miller, and his son, Ron (at right here, with friends).

The big boss of Rebel Salute, Tony Rebel, takes a break from running things.

The crowd at Rebel Salute is as multigenerational as you’ll find at any concert, with attendees ranging in age from two to 82. Here, a mother and daughter enjoy the show.

Youngest In Charge: Fresh off his appearance at Sting with Super Cat, 10-year-old deejay star in the making Wayne J poses for a pic before his Night 2 performance.

Peanut vendors and empresses in regal attire were equally prevalent

Wave yuh bokkle!

Producer Kareem ‘Remus’ Burrell (of XTM.Nation/Xterminator), with promoter Kash Burrell (at left) and Selector Addy of Eccentrix Sound (at right).

Best seats in the house…

No fence could dim this Rasta elder’s enthusiasm.