The second and final night of Rebel Salute 2017, held at Grizzly’s Plantation in Priory, St Ann, on Saturday, was characterized by strong performances.
With the massive audience as witnesses, a number of artistes delivered performances which provided warmth against the cool, strong breeze which blew across the 200-acre property for the two-day festival.
In similar fashion to last year, it was local ‘King of Covers’, Sanchez, who was the toast of night two.
A major indicator the singer, who rose to prominence in the 1980s, was in a no-nonsense mood was the fact that within minutes of taking to the stage he got rid of his jacket. From then on, the tracks which he is known for came at rapid-fire pace.
One of the surprise acts on this year’s festival was Andre Hugh Sutherland. Better known as Popcaan in dancehall circles, his inclusion on the line-up raised a few eyebrows. However, after his set at daybreak on Sunday morning, he left no doubt that his spot was justified.
His performance was measured and displayed a maturity many never knew existed within with the diminutive deejay. The hits flowed and, for the uninitiated, his on-stage banter set up the songs perfectly.
Give Thanks, Party Shot, Only Man She Want, and Pop Style were included in his 40-minute set which ended near 9:30 am.
He put to rest the notion that dancehall acts do not understand sense of occasion and cannot tailor their performances accordingly.
Sutherland would pave the way for the self-styled King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man, who is one of a few acts who can have festival-weary patrons singing and dancing. Again, he proved why he is bankable to close an event.
With a catalogue miles deep, he just picked a few and served his audience until just after 10:00 am.
For the 24 years of the event, Queen Ifrica has become one of the staples.
Known for her biting commentary and unapologetic take on social ills, she was in fine form this year.
Her Daddy Don’t Touch Me There took on new meaning in wake of the sex abuse charges hanging over a minister of religion. She was also critical of the mothers who remained silent about the abuse of their daughters.
Strong sets also came from Agent Sasco, Cocoa Tea, Junior Kelly, Leroy Sibbles, Leroy Gibbons, Derrick Morgan, and Third World.
As in previous years, there were just too many acts on the show. That aside, it was another successful staging of the event with the venue again earning very high marks for being a great host to patrons.
Source: Salute ends on high – Entertainment – JamaicaObserver.com
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