Tony Rebel Says Reggae & Rastas Are Burning “A Different Kind of Fire” As Rebel Salute Heads To Florida

“Fire comes in different forms. Sometimes you see the flame, sometimes you don’t—it’s just the heat,” Tony Rebel said, pushing back against claims that Jamaican reggae artists—particularly within the Rastafari community—have lost their edge in recent years. “We never stop burning fire. Fire still a burn—it’s just a different kind of fire now… a more intellectual, more conscious fire.”

Referencing the evolution from the militant activism of the 1960s to today, he added, “You must be an intelligent diplomat… certain things you don’t have to say, you just live it.”

The Reggae stalwart is taking one of Jamaica’s most culturally rich festivals beyond its shores. In an exclusive interview with World Music Views, the Rebel Salute founder shared the journey, purpose, and evolution of the iconic event as it prepares for its inaugural staging in Miramar.

“The journey began on the 14th of January 1994 in Fayaz (Entertainment Center) in Manchester… then it moved to St. Elizabeth where we spent about 11 years, and then we moved to St. Ann at Plantation Cove,” Rebel explained.

However, after hurricane damage disrupted Jamaica’s staging this year, an opportunity emerged overseas. “We decided to bring it to Florida… I have a cousin by the name of Hans Mullings who do BRT Weekend… over 10 years he has been asking me, ‘please let me just do Rebel Salute one time up here.’ Last year I decided to give him that opportunity.”

After the delays, the event is finally set for Sunday April 19, one day before 4/20 when marijuana smokers around the world celebrate. “We have been promoting for one year now, and then this Sunday is the crescendo,” he said, listing a lineup featuring Maxi Priest, Mikey Spice, Michael Rose, Lutan Fyah, Louie Culture, Gyptian, and more.

Taking the Pilgrimage Global

For years, fans have traveled to Jamaica for Rebel Salute. Now, the festival is meeting them halfway.

“I think it’s a natural progression, brother… people from all over came to Jamaica—from Japan, from China, from America, from Europe—to Rebel Salute every year. Every year they take the pilgrimage. So we want to take it to them this time.”

And the movement is reciprocal. “Yes, people from Jamaica are flying out… the pilgrimage continues,” Rebel affirmed.

A Festival with Purpose

Rebel Salute has always stood apart for its strict cultural ethos.

“It’s for a good purpose… Rebel Salute is always trying to make a better energy, positive energy where we don’t eat meat and we don’t have any slackness. Only people who inspire and motivate can go on the show.”

Even artists known for controversial content must adapt. “If an artist… has done slackness… when they come to Rebel Salute, we use a different name and they only can perform their positiveness.”

In a world facing turmoil, Rebel sees the festival as a refuge. “Rebel Salute will help to guide people where they can find some solace… we want to have a positive vibration that moves through the air.”

With Miramar as the starting point, the festival has global ambitions. “Someone has made a request for us to take it to Canada… a lady spoke to us from Las Vegas… we want to take it all over the world—Europe, England… as far as it can go.”

Queen Ifrica’s Absence

Last year Queen Ifrica announced that she would not be on the Festival after over two decades of being a recurring act.

“She took herself off,” Rebel says without giving a reason why. He added, “the show must go on. She was on Rebel Salute from 2000 every time… the only time they’re not on is when they don’t want to be on.”

Despite his global reach, Rebel remains firmly rooted in Jamaica.

“The longest I’ve ever left Jamaica is eight weeks… me nah leave Jamaica for nowhere. I am a first-class citizen here, man—not a second-class citizen in no man land.”

Reflecting on the Columbia Era

Rebel also revisited his major-label breakthrough with Columbia Records. “I was working in Jamaica… they decided I sound too good—I need to be on one of these big labels.”

With hits like “Fresh Vegetable” and “Chatty Chatty,” his album Vibes Of The Times thrived. “It went on the CMJ (College Music Journal charts) for over 30 weeks… it go far and wide.”

CMJ was a U.S.-based music trade publication that focused on college radio stations and tracked what DJs at universities were playing.

The chart success was as a result of Rebel touring the U.S. alongside Super Cat, Diana King, and others, he recalls, “It was a good vibe… four buses… from California straight to Orlando. I fully enjoyed that.”

That legacy now includes his children, some of whom are performing on Rebel Salute Florida. “We have a daughter now named Tansy… and Daviana… they’re on Rebel Salute this weekend.”

As for what fans can expect from his performance?

“What you can expect is something satisfying. I want to satisfy your musical need and greed. Every time I touch a stage, I get lost in the music… what you get will be my best.”