Christopher Martin pulls from Rebel Salute

THE WEEKEND STAR has learnt that Christopher Martin will not be performing at tonight's staging of Rebel Salute as was previously advertised.

Martin has confirmed that he will not be making an appearance at the event that will be held at Grizzly's Plantation Cove in Priory, St Ann, citing issues beyond his control as the reason for the last minute change. The Big Deal singer has expressed regret at not being able to make the show, and has sought to apologise to patrons who had purchased tickets in anticipation of his

performance.

"I love performing at festivals so I see this as a missed opportunity to perform for my many adoring fans," Martin said. "The matter of my withdrawal is completely beyond my control and that of my

manager Kingy Lettman. It is against this background that I offer my most sincere apologies to the

promoters and fans," he said, urging fans to check his social media pages for his next performance dates.

UNAWARE

When the WEEKEND STAR contacted Tony Rebel, the man behind this weekend's event, he said he was unaware of the withdrawal.

"I don't know about that," he said. "I don't know if any member of my team knows about it, but

personally I have no information regarding that."

He added that if the information is indeed true and Martin will not make an appearance, the show will just have to go on.

"If he's not performing then that is that. Right now, I'm focused on Rebel Salute and getting ready for the show. I cannot focus on that right now," he said.

Rebel Salute is set to take place tonight and tomorrow night with performances from a host of reggae artistes including I-Octane, Turbulence, Luciano, Tony Rebel, Beres Hammond and Queen Ifrica.