TONY REBEL
Tony Rebel is threatening to
become an institution! Armed with the Order of Distinction from
the Government of Jamaica and a most credible, sincere voice,
the 'Rebel with a cause' has, become arguably the most imposing
figure in Jamaica's entertainment industry. After a mere twelve
years on a music scene marked by ambiguities, at times,
disorder, Tony Rebel remains the bedrock of consciousness.
Christened "Best New Artiste of the Year" in 1991, following the
release of his worldwide smash hits, "Fresh Vegetable" and
"Sweet Jamaica" catapulted into the sweet embrace of success, a
razor sharp producer and the promoter of a colossal roots
festival, now a decade old, Tony Rebel's accomplishment is
consummate.
The Rebel has come full circle. His stature as an entertainer is
now legendary. From the confident young man who won his first
Deejay contest in 1984 to one of the most arresting public
figures around, this constantly inventive and versatile artiste
has utilized his artistic endowment to its fullest. A strong
advocate of solid but open-minded Rastafarian thinking, Tony
Rebel remains fiercely opposed to 'slackness' an violence.
Instead he courageously set his own trend and led a wave of
message musicians back to reggae's spiritual roots.
Today, he moves like a man driven by purpose. His eyes reflect
his maturity and vast experience and his gait and character lay
bare an artiste untainted by his success.
Fresh Vegetable became the launch pad for a series of hits by
Tony Rebel. Tunes such as 'Armour', "Chatty-Chatty", "Nazarite
Vow" and "Sweet Jamaica", were to propel him into the bosom of
Columbia Records. Within two years, Tony Rebel was at the top of
his game. He was double-featured on the Grammy nominated
Stir-it-Up compilation album, courtesy of Chaos / Columbia and
had consecutive Certified Gold success on the 'Cool Runnings'
Soundtrack. In 1991, Rebel rode the big waves. He recorded the
Billboard Chart busting single, "Weekend Love" with Motown
Recording Artist Queen Latifah and his album in North America
"Vibes of The Time" went straight to #1 on the CMJ Charts and
remained at or near the top of that and various other charts for
several months.
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His celebrated prominence and his Rastafarian Outlook, has
allowed him, since that first national DJ contest in 1984 to
consistently resist the musical tendency towards slackness and
violence. Lauded today as the father of the 'cultural
revolution', Tony Rebel stands tall at the pedestal of his
career with a string of conscious hits. A most proficient
lyricist with careful enunciation, the potency of Tony Rebel's
righteous raps is undeniable. Songs such as 'Reggae on Top' and
'Teach the Children' have become musical rallying cries while
'Sweet Jamaica' and 'Jah By My Side' have been publicly
acclaimed as unofficial national anthems.
'Jah By My Side', acknowledged
for its beauty and power, copped several local and international
awards. Today, over eight years after its release, its magnetic
appeal continues to reverberate. Tony Rebel's desire to spread
its message has transformed another musical first for this
exceptional artiste. To the absolute delight of reggae fans in
countries such as Puerto Rico, Chile, Nicaragua and Venezuela,
Tony Rebel recorded a Spanish version of this melody to the
infectious Latin beat.
Undoubtedly, Tony Rebel is at the forefront of what is perhaps
the most pivotal movement in contemporary reggae history; the
union of roots and dancehall.
Headlining concerts from Jamaica and the Caribbean to North
America, Europe and Africa and performing before as many as
670,000 foreign fans, this cultural ambassador has taken his
effervescent message of peace and love to open hearts on every
continent.
Tony
Rebel Links:
The Music Of
Tony Rebel
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Track List
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