On a concert noted for its emphasis on cultural content, which in dancehall is often equated with Rastafarianism, Busy Signal and DeMarco may not initially appear to be excellent fits into the Tru-Juice Rebel Salute line-up.

But when the 15th staging takes place at the Port Kaiser Sports Club, St. Elizabeth, on Saturday night, they will very much be a part of the concert, at which Tarrus Riley, Chalice, Ini Kamoze, Queen Ifrica, concert organiser Tony Rebel, Collie Buddz, Luciano, Capleton, Ernie Smith, Pluto Shervington and many more will also perform.

"It is the kind of newness within his lyrical content and the style. It is hip hop, reggae but slow so that we hear the message," Rebel said about Busy Signal. "It is important for the young people to hear it from someone they revere in the dancehall.

"He has the repertoire to present himself," Rebel said, adding that Busy Signal "par with DeMarco, who has a good song, Fallen Soldiers".

There will be a musical education component of sorts, as Rebel says Ernie Smith and Pluto Shervington will be onstage together going past midnight. "It's a real education in who sings what," he said, referring to the commonplace confusion between the lyrical maestros' material.

Unfortunately, pianist Monty Alexander will not be able to perform due to personal circumstances.

As the show has grown from its Brooks Park, Mandeville, days until now, Rebel says in terms of organisation "You always need to improve. It is always challenging. When you do what you love and love what you do it is always a stepping stone to move forward."

Bigger stage


DeMarco - Contributed

As such, this year, the stage and backstage area are bigger and there is also more room in the VIP section closer to the front of the stage. In addition, he says there is improvement in the parking and, as is now customary, there will be police officers on the roads leading to Port Kaiser throughout the concert, with the traffic police from Kingston and the Mandeville police working together.

Among the organisations which will benefit from Tru-Juice Rebel Salute 2007 is the Alligator Pond Basic School.

The other sponsors include Security Innovations, CVM TV, Hype TV, The Gleaner, IRIE FM, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Grizzly's Entertainment and Super Plus. General admission is $1,300 presold and $1,500 at the gate, with tickets going on sale at Fontana Pharmacy and Haughton Pharmacy offices, Flames Productions office and Cooyah outlets today (Thursday).

As for himself actually performing, Rebel said he has some new songs that he wants to deliver, including Love Fire, Cyaa Go Roun', Good and Guns, Dogs and Pusses.

And while Rebel Salute may have grown exponentially, there are some things that have not and will not change. "No meat, no alcohol, straight," Rebel said. "No profanity, no guns, no bad vibes, Rebel Salute 15th anniversary inna 2K Love."

The concert begins at 8 p.m. sharp.