Most of the performances were above average and it would perhaps be unwise to single out one performer or the other as the show stealer. When the first note sounded at minutes after nine, the die was cast that patrons would be treated to high quality entertainment for the next 12 hours.

Further, the show was refreshingly highlighted by stellar performances by "old skool" acts.

Veteran singer, Leroy Gibbons gave a scintillating performance. Gibbons ascended the stage, with slick dance moves and an amazing lyrical flow, he unleashed his popular hits, Four Season Lover, Magic Moment and Lover's Question, which earned him a an encore.

Errol Dunkley also struck the jack pot with his hits, Movie Star, You Gonna Need Me and Black Cinderella.

The appearance of Chalice, the first in many years anywhere in the world, was magnificent. The band could do no wrong. Chalice put in a professional piece as they educated the younger patrons with their unique brand of rockers, which ruled the airwaves during the 1980s.

Ini Kamoze did well; the internationally acclaimed singer left us all wondering if a "big bang" has been planned for 2008. He did not "explode" but he appeared to be in a menacing mood.

Etana got love from a crowd which exceeded 10,000, especially during the song "Wrong Address."

I-Wayne's trademark testimony to the virtues of the philosophy of Rastafari was well-accepted as he condemned the users of bleaching cream, meat eaters and the 'bowers' to the Lava Ground.

Queen Ifrica delivered her array of current hits, and for a few minutes struck below... "Below the Waist."

But as the morning dragged on and patrons grew weary it would take a special performer to get the flags waving and the torches blazing again and that entertainer came in the form of firebrand, Lutan Fyah. The moment the turban-wearing artiste sprinted unto the stage the temperature in the venue got hot. Using his dual talents of high speed deejaying and suave chanting, Lutan Fyah moved like a man possessed and bludgeoned the venue with his anti-homosexual and oral sex messages. He also drew the audience's love when he slowed the tempo and delivered, "Save The Juvenile" and "Rasta Still Deh Bout."

Richie Spice also found favour with the Rebel Salute audience as he reeled off his slew of hits, all of which were mouthed off by the eager patrons.

Tarrus Riley was his usual royal self and came out smelling like roses without extending himself.

As dawn broke, Capleton, the Fireman stormed on stage and pandemonium broke loose. The torches blazed high and fireworks illuminated the skies as the Fireman, danced, pranced and bellowed his way to another crowd-pleasing Rebel Salute performance.

He was followed by Busy Signal, who represented well along with DeMarco.

An interesting feature of the show was the introduction of Sugar Minott at 4:00am! And, the singer did not fail!! He was sweet sweet sweet with "Never Gonna Give Jah Up."

Jah Cure's entry brought a response from the crowd which was only matched by that to Lutan Fyah. The patrons could not get enough of "the cure."

Luciano brought the curtains down on the 15th staging of Rebel Salute with a sterling performance. To add further spice to his set, his offspring Prince Menelik delivered his first song pened by him. Their performance was well received by the hundreds of people who waited for the "Messenjah".

Earlier performance of note came from Edi Fitzroy, a resurgent Junior Reid, a smooth Lenky Roy, Terry Linen, an improving Fire Pashon, the comedic I Maroon and Duane Stephenson. Unlike previous years, the traffic snarl associated with Rebel Salute was absent, as reaching and leaving the venue proved to be relatively hassle free.

The negatives included an overloaded line-up which forced most performers to rush through or cut their sets short and a slew of band changes. However, to be fair to Flames Productions, the band changes were quite smooth.

One patron also had to rushed to hospital in an ambulance after being
stabbed during a fracas at the end of the event; while an overzealous fan was assaulted by a member of Jah Cure's entourage as he attempted to approach the singer after his performance.