Rebel Salute 2025 in Jamaica

Rebel Salute is an iconic annual music festival that takes place around January 15, commemorating the birthday of its founder and promoter, Tony Rebel. Dedicated to reggae, roots, and conscious music, the festival began in 1994 in St. Elizabeth on Jamaica's south coast. Since 2012, it has been hosted at Grizzly's Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, offering a vibrant celebration of Jamaican culture and music.

Festival Highlights

Each January, Rebel Salute draws thousands of reggae enthusiasts for a premier celebration of authentic roots reggae, vibrant culture, and healthy living. Upholding its slogan, "For the preservation of reggae," the festival emphasizes a clean and positive image. Alcohol and meat are not permitted, with only fish products available, and organizers enforce restrictions on profanity and explicit lyrics to maintain a wholesome atmosphere.

Dancehall Performances

Rebel Salute features many dancehall performers, showcasing a genre that emerged in Jamaica during the 1970s as part of reggae's evolution. Dancehall music developed a faster pace and distinct rhythm in the 1990s with the rise of digital technology, leading to the emergence of digital dancehall, also known as ragga music. Typically performed in Jamaican Patois—an English-based language infused with Creole and West African influences—dancehall music continues to play a significant role in the festival, reflecting the vibrant and evolving sounds of Jamaican culture.

Lineup

The previous Rebel Salute lineup featured bands and musicians like The Wailers, Queen Ifrica, JC Lodge, Yellowman, Koffee, Rodney Price aka Bounty Killer, Dawn Penn, Glacia Robinson, King Sounds, Barrington Levy, Freddie McGregor, Capleton, Agent Sasco, Anthony Malvo, Bobi Wine, Brian Anu Gold, Bushman, Cat Coore, Chalice, Chezidek, Ken Boothe, and more.

Herb Curb

In 2016, Rebel Salute introduced the "Herb Curb," an enclosed, adults-only space dedicated to exploring the diverse aspects of marijuana. This feature includes exhibits and presentations by herb practitioners, educators, speakers, and medical professionals. The discussions cover a wide range of topics, from the sacramental and medicinal benefits of cannabis to its economic potential.

Tickets

The 2025 Rebel Salute is set to take place on January 18, continuing its legacy as one of Jamaica's premier music festivals. General admission tickets are priced at $85, while an advanced VIP experience is available for $123. These Tier 2 prices will remain in effect until December 1, 2024.