2008 Lineup
Click the performer's images below to link to their websites. Music begins at 11:15, so come early to enjoy the whole day!
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11:15 - 12:00 Uprising
12:20 - 1:20 Rass Kwame and Ananse
1:40 - 2:40 Les Exodus
3:15 - 4:15 Steele
| 4:30 - 5:30 Queen Omega
5:30 - 6:30 Contests and Raffle
6:30 - 8:00 Tinga Stewart
8:30 - 10:00 Tony Rebel
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Click images to link to artists' websites.
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| Tony Rebel |
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Tony Rebel
Born Patrick Barrett in Manchester, Jamaica, Tony Rebel first caught public attention in 1984, winning the premier DJ competition in Manchester using a gritty, yet melodic, style that ridged the gap between reggae and dancehall—a style that eventually became known as “Sing-Jaying.” His official sojourn into the music business came in 1991, with his smash hit, “Fresh Vegetable,” and a billboard-busting single, “Weekend Love” with Queen Latifa. In 1993, Tony Rebel's popularity led to a contract with Columbia Records, where he double-featured on the Grammy nominated “Stir It Up” compilation, achieving Gold Status with the Cool Runnings soundtrack.
In a career that spans 2 decades, 10 albums and several compilations, and 15 years of promoting a spiritual renaissance within reggae, Tony Rebel is on his way to becoming a reggae mogul. Not only a musician, but a producer, his most tangible success to date is as the promoter of Rebel Salute, his annual conscious-music showcase, which is the largest of its kind in the Caribbean.
Tony Rebel remains at the vanguard of a musical trend he inspired more than 20 years ago. His conviction and ingenuity to depart from the conventional approach to Jamaican popular music, while promoting the idea of righteousness and a code of honor through reggae, is what sets this rebel apart.
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Tinga Stewart
Neville "Tinga" Stewart's career began in Jamaica in 1971, and he has been actively touring and recording ever since. Tinga has 12 albums, including Under Your Spell, From the Archives, Unforgettable, Ninja & Tinga alongside the Dancehall Greats, 2 albums with his late brother Roman Stewart, dozens of singles, and is featured in various reggae compilations. Tinga has performed worldwide, sharing the stage with various reggae legends, and has received numerous awards, such as the keys to the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2002), The Martins International Award of Honor (2003), The Lifetime Achievement Award (2004) by the West Indian American Association of New Jersey, and an "Official Citation" from the Mayor of Hartford Connecticut (2004) for his phenomenal success in reggae music.
Tinga's impressive longevity and impeccable reputation of talent and professionalism, along with his signature stage performances continue to take reggae music to greater international heights. Tinga's latest album titled, Ready to Groove, consists of lovers rock, mixed with conscious lyrics and social commentary on current world affairs. Tinga is acknowledged as one of the most exciting performers today, and we are thrilled to have him join us on the Bayfront stage.
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| Tinga Stewart |
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| Queen Omega |
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| Queen Omega
Now 25 years old, Queen Omega hails from San Fernando, Trinidad. Encouraged by her mother (to whom she pays tribute on "Mama"), she entered local talent shows from the age of nine, writing her own calypsos and rapping on national television. Later, she sang backing vocals for local producer Kenny Philips, accompanying numerous top soca acts both in the studio and on stage. Inspired by the teachings of Haile Selassie, her song-writing skills soon blossomed with roots and reality themes coming to the fore as her love of Rastafari deepened.
On a trip to Jamaica with the Solomon Band, where she performed at the Caribbean Music Expo in late 2000, she met producer Mickey D, who brought her to London the following year for sessions that resulted in her debut set, "Queen Omega." This was followed by several hit singles and a second album titled "Pure Love." In 2004, Jet Star released "Away From Babylon," Queen Omega's third and most accomplished album. With her recordings and well-received live performances, Queen Omega has been blazing a trail for female roots reggae artists. Her distinctive voice, conscious lyrics, and some real good riddims make Queen Omega truly worth checking out.
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Steele
Described as dynamic and sensational, with the versatility and range that defies restriction to any one genre, Steele is as captivating in his handling of R&B material as he is with soul, reggae, gospel, classical, and jazz. Born in Lucea, Jamaica, he now resides in Toronto, where he regarded as the most consistent reggae artist to call Canada home. Steele has performed to rave reviews at the Montreal International Reggae Festival, the Jamaica Day Celebration held in Toronto, the Calgary Reggae Festival, and is now creating a storm with his live performances in Jamaica, where he has performed on shows such as Rebel Salute and the annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration.
"Silhouette," cover of the late Dennis Brown, represents Steele’s break-through song. Other recordings to hit the local charts include "Jah Is My Strength" and "Greetings." He has shared the stage with some of reggae’s most respected artists, including Freddie McGregor, Rita Marley, Tony Rebel, The Melodians, Glenn Washington, Luciano, Beenie Man, Half Pint, and Wayne Wonder.
Today, Steele has made his mark on the music industry as a singer, musician, songwriter, and producer. In 2004 he released his first solo CD, Uncorrupted, which hit many charts globally and received Canada’s highest musical award, a Juno nomination for Reggae Recording of the Year. His next CD, The Love of Jah, was hailed by critics as his finest work to date. Just before its release, he was named “Best Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Best Songwriter of the Year” by the Canadian Reggae Music Achievement Awards. Steele continues to make hit music with "What's Wrong Wid Wi," a duet with crooner George Nooks and his rendition of Bob Marley's "Slave Driver." The sky is the limit for Steele, and he continues to reach for it.
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| Steele |
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| Les Exodus
featuring Prince Jabba and Lynval "Golden Voice" Jackson
Les Exodus, the "Twin Cities" hottest reggae band,” formed in 1987 and quickly gained popularity and began touring internationally. Known for their dual lead singers, tight arrangements, high-energy delivery, and great set material, Exodus puts on a show that is equally as easy to relax to as it is to get wild and jump up. Drawing from a broad tonal palette, Exodus brings a sound that can range from über-modern to old school all within a single song. Les Exodus has shared the stage with such artists as Everton Blender, the Itals, Sister Carol, and Sugar Minott, and provides tight shows that represent the genre to the extent it deserves.
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Rass Kwame and Ananse
Kwame Wood, a West African reggae artist, came of age immersed in music of his native Ghana. He began singing at age 9, and at 13 was playing original music in his own band. During a local student music contest, his group's drummer was a no show, so Kwame picked up the drumsticks and began his journey as a drummer/singer. He went on to become an accomplished and powerful drummer, in addition to an amazing vocalist.
In 1990, he joined CK Mann, the Highlife King of Ghana, and came to North America on tour where they played throughout Canada and the U.S. East Coast. In 1993 he moved to Washington, D.C., and joined Culture Shock. Ambitious and extremely talented, he soon became the leader, and helped make the Bukom Cafe (where Culture Shock was the house band) a local hot spot. In 1997 Kwame relocated to Minneapolis and formed the Ananse Band. Rass Kwame has been an opening act for various reggae stars, including Burning Spear, The Wailers, and Lucky Dube. His band has been delighting local audiences with their special brand of African-style reggae ever since. Rass Kwame is currently in the studio producing his upcoming album, The Ananse Stories, which is due out soon.
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| Rass Kwame and Ananse |
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| Uprising
Starting the 2008 Bayfront Reggae Festival, Uprising is
sure to get you on your feet and dancing to the tropical vibes
of reggae, soca, and calypso. Formed in 2007, Janna Dreher, founder of
Bayfront Reggae Festival, wanted to perform the music that she loves,
and gathered the band's members who have many combined
years of performing experience. Front man, Dexter Baxter, hailing from
Westmoreland, Jamaica, is a sure crowd pleaser and is determined to
teach the audience to "wine" to the sweet music. Uprising has performed
at the 2007 Bayfront Reggae Festival, The 2007 Superior Dragon Boat
Festival, and numerous clubs and private parties.
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Tony Paul
Bayfront Reggae Festival emcee, Tony Paul, came to Minneapolis from Trinidad in the late '70s and was an original member of the Twin Cities’ groundbreaking band, Shangoya. Tony is the inveterate host of KFAI’s “Shake & Bake Show,” a popular “Monday afternoon smorgasbord of international music.” When he's not at KFAI, Tony plays percussion with the International Reggae All-Stars, emcees various events throughout the Twin Cities, and works with The Children's Theater Company of Minneapolis, North America's flagship theatre for young people.
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| Tony Paul |
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