No Rebel Salute for Marcia Griffiths

When Rebel Salute gets under way on Friday night in Priory, St Ann, Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths, will not be among the performers, as advertised.

In an interview with THE STAR, the iconic singer, who has been in the music business for 60 years, explained that although she would have loved to be present, she had told promoter and fellow artiste, Tony Rebel, that she had plans for her own celebration concert this year and it was "very unlikely" that she would be able to do the event.

"It would have been so nice and refreshing to be on the Rebel Salute stage because, as Tony said when he called me from last year, it's a long time I haven't performed at the show. But I have my own big show coming up and I am one of those artistes that don't like to be 'regular'. I even turned down two shows in New Year's Eve because of that. Tony and I spoke and I told him that it didn't look like this year for me," Griffiths explained.

She added that being advertised for Rebel Salute was not because of any contractual agreement between her and the promoters and they have had discussions about pulling her name from the ads.

Griffiths emphasised that her official statement to her fans was her way of being proactive in ensuring that she is not seen as a no-show. She said that it should not be seen as something that would cause any rift between her and the promoters, as she was sure that "Rebel will be making his own statement soon".

The prepared statement noted: "To all my faithful and loyal fans, I am sending my deepest and sincerest apology for not appearing at Rebel Salute on Friday the 19th January 2024 as billed. As much as I would have loved to be a part of the event, I was not officially contracted and am already committed to my major celebration of 60 years in the business which will be shared in the coming days. I regret any inconvenience my unavoidable absence may cause to my loyal fans."

The veteran singer, a few months ago, released her latest project, Golden, which was one of the albums "under consideration" for a Grammy nomination. Last year she was conferred with the Order of Jamaica by the Government in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the development of Jamaican music.

"I wish Tony every success on this year's staging and I am hoping to grace the Rebel Salute stage in the coming years," Griffiths told THE STAR.

Rebel Salute 2024 takes place this Friday and Saturday, at the Grizzlys Plantation Cove under the theme '30 for 30' because the music festival is celebrating 30 years. On Friday night, the heavyweight line-up will include Third World, Anthony B, Sanchez, Mikey Spice, Benjy Myaz, Glenn Washington, Richie Stephens and Tony Rebel.

Dancehall superstar Sean Paul makes his Rebel Salute debut on Saturday, alongside Capleton, Louie Culture, Etana, Queen Ifrica, Mortimer, Josey Wales, Yellowman, Horace Andy, Peter Metro, Linval Thompson, Luciano, Fantan Mojah, Turbulence and The Rebel clan.

A dubplate showcase featuring 'River Nile Crocodile' selector Dynamq versus the veteran Sky Juice will also unfold.