Closing Night Rebel Salute 2016

The last night of the two festival featured, who many people considered to be the main draw of this year’s event, reggae crooner Hugh Beresford Hammond more popularly known as Beres Hammond. He didn’t stand alone however as the organisers surrounded Beres with more than just the usual fodder normally seen at impromptu stage shows that pop up across the island. Bona fide legends the likes of Ken Boothe, Eric Donaldson and The Abyssinians coupled with rising acts such as Uprising Roots Band and Dmedz gave the almost capacity crowd all they could wish for and more while they awaited the arrival of the main acts of the night. One observation, I had however was that while there were more than enough vendors dotted around the circumference around the venue. It is obvious that they were too isolated, away from the main group of patrons to fully maximize their presence. Hopefully there are plans for future “Salutes” to better accommodate the merchants who really add to the vibe of the event. Anyhow with that being said the main acts made the stage their own, illuminating Priory St. Ann with their light that night.

I Octane, gave a spirited performance reminding everyone present that he had amassed quite the catalogue since his entry into the Jamaican music industry. Songs such as ‘Lose A Friend’ and ‘Mama You Alone’ set the tone of his time on the stage which saw the peaks of the response of the crowd come from ‘Puff It’, ‘Love You Like I Do’ and with what I like to call the “Bad Mind Medley” which features several of the catchy tracks which I Octane has crafted over the years, warning anyone who will listen about the perils of being on friendly terms with people who don’t have your best interests at heart. After I Octane exit, next to grace the stage was her majesty ….. Queen Ifrica. She brought some level of civility back to the proceedings not only with the quality of her songs but also with her rapport with the audience. The highlight of her time on the stage was when she premiered a song exalting the values of a “good man”. The song struck such a chord with her fans that she had to stop and start over the song’s intro several times. Harmonizing with her backup singers as she left the stage, Queen’s exit made the patrons present anxious.

Was it now time for the real big man to touch the stage? They were probably thinking. Luckily, for everyone present, it was. Beres took the stage with a fervor rarely seen on these shores. His band complete with background singers had every note on point, but Beres ….. Beres had his mind made up that he would give us attending something to remember. All of his hits as a solo act from the mid-80s to now: ‘She loves Me Know’, ‘Tempted To Touch’, ‘Double Trouble’, ‘I Could Beat Myself’ and so on had the crowd in a special trance. And when Tony Rebel joined him for a light hearted back and forth the patrons were cheering every single note. And as Beres continued in his hour and twenty minute set, it was clear to see that he was determined to show Jamaica what they have been missing for the years since he had his last performance on the island. By the time Marcia Griffiths touched the stage, to do a spirited rendition of ‘Live On’, Beres had completely satisfied and surpassed the expectations of all of his fans who flocked in their thousands to see him.

Once he left the stage, many were wondering if that was it for the show, should everyone head home now. I can personally tell you anyone who did, made a grave error. Junior Reid alongside son Juju Reid and Pinchers gave smooth well received performances. However it was when David Brooks got on the stage, the buzz from the crowd returned to the venue. After making most of his impact as his musical alter ego Mavado, David Brooks as he was billed really made it his mission to remind anyone who would listen about his undeniable talent. He was on a roll when he invited one of dancehall’s newest singjays Jahmiel who sang his current hit ‘Gain The World’ and introduced the viewing public to some previously unreleased material. One of the lessons of the whole festival was delivered by veteran performer Half Pint. In fifteen minutes, the singer managed to rack up four pull ups, two encores and one special call back on the stage by the MC for that portion Mutaburaka. After starting his performance with arguably his most popular song ‘Greetings’, normally a faux pas for any performer, Half Pint proceed to shell the fans with back to back to back renditions of long time favourites such as ‘Hold On’, ‘Mr Landlord’, ‘One Big Family’, ‘Political Friction’, ‘Cost of Living’, ‘Victory’, ‘Substitute Lover’, ‘Just Be Good To Me’, ‘Level The Vibes’ before closing with his very first hit ‘Winsome (Girl You Too Bad)’. An amazing set made even more special because of how unexpected it was. Turbulence was given the honour to close the entire festival and he gave an energetic performance reminding those, who were still present, of his years of local dominance on the radio airwaves. Rebel Salute 2016 was truly enjoyable and while it made me sad for spending so long away it also sets an exciting precedent for all the festivals to come.