Knutsford Express has once again been named the official bus carrier for the highly-anticipated Rebel Salute Reggae Festival scheduled to take place from Friday, January 19, to Saturday, January 20.
The organisers of Rebel Salute, which is considered one of the Greatest Reggae Shows on Earth, made the announcement on their Instagram page a few days ago, which also revealed that there will be buses running to the venue from Kingston, Angels in St Catherine as well as tourism mecca Montego Bay and Falmouth.
“Saluters! Are you ready for the road! Here are the Knustford shuttle schedules for Rebel Salute 2024! Purchase your spaces beforehand with the Prepaid option or pay on the day with the Same Day option to best provide you convenience for your journey! All in comfort and luxury of course! Whichever option you chose remember to book your trip with Knustford Express for January 19 & 20!” the post noted.
For Reggae lovers in Negril, the bus service will depart at 5:00pm each day, from the Knutsford Express base on Norman Manley Boulevard (adjacent to Beaches Negril), to Plantation Cove, the venue for Rebel Salute.
For Negriliers, the early-bird prepaid return ticket is priced at $5,200, while the same-day return option is available for $5,500. Saluters from the resort town opting for a one-way journey can purchase an early-bird prepaid ticket for $3,200, with the same-day one-way ticket priced at $3,500.
The early payment special, requires payment 24 hours prior to travel. The return trip from Plantation Cove to Negril is scheduled 30 minutes after the last artiste has concluded their performance.
ARTISTE LINEUP
In celebration of its 30 years of existence, Rebel Salute is set to deliver an extraordinary showcase featuring 30 prominent names in Reggae, each promising extended performances for an immersive experience.
On Friday, January 19, the impressive lineup is headlined by legends such as Third World, Anthony B, Marcia Griffiths, Sanchez, Mikey Spice, Benji Myaz, Glenn Washington, Richie Stephens, Leroy Gibbons, Lone Ranger, CC Foster, Tappa Zukie, and the iconic Tony Rebel himself.
Breaking new ground on Saturday, January 20, Rebel Salute welcomes Dancehall sensation Sean Paul for the first time in its 30-year history. Sharing the stage with him are Reggae giants Luciano, Etana, Queen Ifrica, and Capleton. The star-studded roster continues with Louie Culture, Mortimer, Josie Wales, Yellowman, Horace Andy, Peter Metro, Linval Thompson, Fantan Mojah, Turbulence, and The Rebel clan.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, the event will showcase a special dubplate performance featuring The African versus Sky Juice of Metromedia.
THE PRESERVATION OF REGGAE
Rebel Salute which is known for its commitment to “The Preservation of Reggae,” made its debut in 1994 at Fayor’s Entertainment Centre in Mandeville, the capital of Manchester and Tony Rebel’s home parish. The festival has evolved over the years, with the festival securing a permanent home at Grizzly’s back in 2013.
Rebel Salute has gained recognition for bringing back reggae veterans from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, alongside contemporary acts. Past performers include Sizzla, Richie Spice, Queen Ifrica, Jesse Royal, Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid, Echo Minott, Third World, Inner Circle, the Mighty Diamonds, and Johnny Clarke.
HERB CURB
The groundbreaking Herb Curb, initiated in 2015 when Rebel Salute became the first music festival granted exemption status as a marijuana festival under the amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act, will be featured again. The Herb Curb is an enclosed area showcasing educational, spiritual, medicinal, and recreational products and content related to ganja.
The Herb Curb includes artisans, herb practitioners, educators, speakers, and medical professionals, with a designated smoking lounge featuring seating and video feed from the main stage. While children under 12 enjoy free entry to Rebel Salute, those under 18 are restricted from entering the Herb Curb, which is secured by police officers and private security guards.
Entry to the Herb Curb requires presenting valid government-issued identification such as a driver’s license, National Identification card, or passport. Regarding ganja use at Rebel Salute, attendees are permitted to carry the allowed amount as per relevant legislation, with designated smoking areas within the Herb Curb.”
FOOD YOU CAN SALUTE
A vibrant and essential component of the Rebel Salute festival, is the Food Village, which continues to be a gastronomic haven, enticing patrons to savor the flavors of a healthier, natural lifestyle.”
Considered as significant as the festival itself, the Food Village aligns seamlessly with Rebel Salute’s commitment to promoting a holistic, healthier lifestyle.
The festival is renowned for its dedication to offering delicious and health-conscious dishes, providing a unique showcase of the diverse and richly flavorful Jamaican cuisine. The Food Village stands out as a hub for delectable dishes, culinary insights, and distinctive dining experiences that prioritize the well-being of the body.
Maintaining a distinctive no-meat, no-alcohol policy since its inception, Rebel Salute sets itself apart from other events. The Food Village predominantly features vegetarian and live food options, including enticing dishes such as stew, ackee and saltfish, mixed vegetables, vegetable chunks with beans, curry tofu, bammy, and live burgers and pizzas crafted from natural seeds and organic milks like coconut milk, almond milk, and nut milk.
Complementing these dishes are natural juices made from fruits and vegetables, some prepared on the spot for freshness. The abundance of fruits, including oranges, sugar cane, and bananas, and jelly coconuts, adds to the festival’s diverse and wholesome menu. No Rebel Salute experience would be complete without indulging in Jamaica’s famous coconut water and jelly.
THE ARTISAN VILLAGE
Rebel Salute is a cultural extravaganza, a celebration which extends beyond music, to embrace the rich tapestry of arts, crafts, and authentic Jamaican fashion. With more than 30 exhibitors gracing the festival grounds, patrons are treated to a dazzling array of meticulously crafted indigenous works and a diverse collection of artwork.
From intricate designs to skillfully made fashion pieces, which embody the essence of Jamaican culture, Rebel Salute’s the artisan village promises an immersive experience for attendees.
For those seeking tangible memories of their Rebel Salute journey, the event offers a range of keepsakes available for purchase. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted piece of art or a stylish Jamaican fashion item, these souvenirs serve as mementos, preserving the essence of the festival for years to come.
