Jamaica has had a profound influence in the development of popular culture in the United States. The genres of hip-hop, rap, punk, alternative rock, and some forms of electronic dance music can all trace their influences and origins to Jamaica, and its groundbreaking music studios and producers such as King Tubby and Lee Scratch Perry.

Jamaican music, dance, fashion, and the concept of the sound clash, which gave roots to rap and hip-hop, all have left their mark abroad. Soul Rebellion, the festival with a cause, taps into this legacy imbedded in our cultural landscape by such legendary icons as the world's beloved Bob Marley.

The thousands of visiting spring breakers provide a platform on which to express this legacy, as Soul Rebellion 2008 swings back into action during Spring Break this March in Negril, Jamaica. This charitable event, which stages fundraising shows, distinguishes itself as a concept more than a concert. "Soul Rebellion serves to re-invest Jamaica and her rich and vibrant culture back into the spring break dynamic by tracking, exploring, and illuminating the cultural conversation taking place between Jamaica and American street culture," states event organizer Richard Sloan.

This year's events are slated for every Tuesday during the month of March, with stage shows taking place at the Jungle Nightclub in Negril. This is followed by daytime activities that include visits to local schools where spring breakers can participate in the "Build-A-Brick" program and literally rebuild local schools. One of the shows, slated for March 18, will be headlined by arguably the hottest act in dancehall right now, Mavado.  Soul Rebellion's vision is in sync with Mavado's own initiative to aid education in his homeland, thru his charity "Connect Jamaica" where he donates computers to local schools.

A number of Jamaican entertainment heavyweights are working to help make this year's event a success, including Tony Matterhorn, Julian Jones-Griffith of the Alliance (home to Mavado), Janet Davidson of Madhouse Records (home to Baby Cham), Don Corleon of Don Corleon Records (home to Munga, Pressure and Alaine), and Jerome Hamilton of Headline Entertainment (booking agency for most Jamaican entertainers including Sean Paul). As a result, more additions to the lineup will soon be announced. Soul Rebellion 2008 will also play host to a number of international media houses who will be on hand to witness and provide coverage of this festival that directly aids the local community.

Those wishing to partake in the festivities can book travel packages through studentcity.com, where the mention of "soulrebel1" will provide certain discounts.