At his Flames Productions company, Tony Rebel and the massive roots reggae festival he started 16 years ago, are affectionately labelled the 'Rebel-ation'.

The 'Rebel-ation' represents the continuing philosophy of Tony Rebel, a brash religious bully who branded himself the 'original guerilla' when he burst on to the scene in 1990. He would later temper the label by declaring that he was, in fact, a "rebel with a cause".

Tony Rebel's cause is well known. He promotes righteousness and rebels against disappointing musical trends. For the past 15 years, this mission has been imbued in the Rebel Salute product.

cultural institution

When Tony Rebel staged the first Rebel Salute some 16 years ago at a congested Fayor's Entertainment Centre in a rain-drenched Mandeville in 1994, he had no idea it would become such an important cultural institution.

But Tony Rebel has always believed in the power of Jamaican roots reggae to heal the nation. When he catapulted on to the Jamaican reggae scene in 1990-1991, he declared: "Jamaican artistes must realise the power of words, how influential music is, how music can give people strength and weaken them too. Artistes are like the watchmen of the city and they are supposed to sound the trumpet. And if they don't, the guilt will be on their shoulders."

philosophy

As a roots reggae festival, Rebel Salute is an embodiment of Tony Rebel's philosophy. The entertainer's firm Rastafarian principles guide the decisions he takes regarding the show from its nature, type of artistes, to even the kind of cuisine on offer.

Patrons attending Rebel Salute are treated to a predominantly vegetarian cuisine as all forms of meat (with the exception of fish) and alcohol are prohibited from being sold inside the venue.

The Rebel also believes in promoting good conduct and strives to ensure that all artistes performing on Rebel Salute refrain from using any form of profanity during their performances. Guns and other weapons are banned from Rebel Salute and there is massive security and police personnel on hand every year to enforce this policy.

inspiring

The potential for breach of these policies is often low as the Rebel Salute mission is to put on display the healthiest aspects of Jamaican music. Thus, the artistes billed are typically rooted in positive lyrics and reflect the power of music to heal, uplift, educate and entertain.

Speaking on behalf of official TV sponsor for Rebel Salute 2009, CVM TV, Winford Williams (host of the popular CVM entertainment show On Stage), remarked that Rebel Salute has morphed into a sort of musical movement inspiring social, attitudinal and spiritual change and attracting a multitude of loyal and committed pilgrims.

Patrons taking the pilgrimage to Rebel Salute 2009 should expect an epic event featuring some of Jamaica's finest stars - roots dancehall deejays, both young and legendary singers and vocalists, as well as foundation artistes of an earlier era of Jamaican music.

Rebel Salute 2009

Rebel Salute 2009 takes place on January 17, 2009, in the parish of St Elizabeth on Jamaica's south coast. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Rebel Salute 2009 is sponsored by Jamaica Tourist Board, CVM Television, The Gleaner, IRIE FM, Little Ochi, Tent City, Super Plus Food Stores, Grizzley's Entertainment, Security Innovations, Grace Soups and Grace Water, Ellco Jamaica and Jamaica Producers Limited.

Rebel Salute 16: 'Educating through entertainment'