On the weekend prior to the historic inauguration of the first African American president in the White House, an array of Jamaica's finest singers and players of instruments will showcase their talents in salute to president elect Barack Obama, at the 2009 renewal of Rebel Salute.

It is from this perspective the impressive line-up of diverse reggae star performers have been chosen for the country's leading cultural fiesta that has been dubbed the pre-celebration of the inauguration on Saturday, January 17, at the Port Kaiser Sports Club in St Elizabeth.

Under the theme "Yes We Can" (taken from the campaign slogan of the soon-to-be 44th president of the United States) the 16th staging of Rebel Salute, will feature an appealing blend of veteran and contemporary entertainers.

The Doctor, Beenie Man, who for this event is billed as Ras Moses, is spearheading the slew of popular young acts such as Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, I-Octane, I-Wayne, and Morgan Heritage, Konshens, Rootz Underground; while among the seasoned stalwarts are Wailing Soul, Clarendonians, John Holt, Leroy Sibbles, Errol Dunkley, Mykal Rose, Luciano and promoter/performer Tony Rebel.
"I want to have a special celebration this coming
Rebel Salute," Tony Rebel told the packed ballroom at the launch of his 16-year-old music festival at the Hilton Hotel last Thursday evening.

"There is a place in the world called the White House, and it's in America, and on the 20th of January it will be occupied by a black family. I don't know if we really get it fully," Tony Rebel said to rousing applause.

"It's a serious thing. I've seen Mandela go to prison for over 20-odd years . he came out and became the president of South Africa. And I am now going to see that wonderful couple going into the White House. I think we need to have some kind of a celebration for that too.... So January 17 we want to dub this Rebel Salute the pre-celebration of the inauguration of President Obama," Rebel added to
more applause.

"And that is why you hear the type of artistes Dr Hume Johnson announced awhile ago. Those type of artistes are artistes that we know can really enhance a celebration like that," he further stated as he reminded the large gathering of the reputation Rebel Salute has built over the years as a event that motivates and inspires a positive awareness.

For a musical affair, the keynote address by the president and CEO of Capital and Credit Finance Group Ryland Campbell was like no other. It was like music to the earfull of amusement and lightheartedness. Delano Franklyn, who spoke before him, challenged the performers to head towards a path of positive and uplifting lyrical content.

Centring his presentation around Bob Marley's song Hit Me With Music, with emphasis on the hook, "When it hits you, you feel no pain," the prominent banker reminded his enraptured audience of the power of music and how it can be utilised in a positive manner. During his enlightening exhortation on music Ryland Campbell said; "You must utilise it with a purpose such as Rebel Salute is beckoning. To inspire people, to motivate people, to excite people, to transform people, to calm people, to mobilise people for good so that we can make this nation of ours the best little nation on earth. But in the utilisation I suggest that you must optimise what is there."

It was a rather entertaining launch which provided some exciting performances from a number of the acts billed for Rebel Salute. Among them were 14-year-old youth activist and recording artiste Choc'late Allen, Fya Kin, I-Wayne,
Malik Yoba, Luciano, Queen Ifrica and the promoter himself, Tony Rebel.