Why the most principled reggae festival chose integrity over spectacle, and how the music moves forward . INTRODUCTION: A Silence That Spoke Volumes When a two-page letter quietly dropped from Rebel Salute, it didn’t just cancel a weekend — it sent shockwaves through global reggae culture. For decades, Rebel Salute has stood as more than a reggae music festival. It has been a moral compass . A place where conscious lyrics mattered more than hype, where roots and culture outweighed trends, and where the music was treated not as entertainment alone, but as responsibility. So when the official notice appeared — calm, measured, unapologetically principled — it landed heavy. Rebel Salute 2026 was canceled. Not postponed for convenience. Not reshuffled for profit. Canceled out of respect. In an era where festivals push forward no matter the cost, Rebel Salute made a radical decision: integrity over optics . Safety over spectacle. Legacy over immediacy. Hurricane Melissa didn’t just damag...

  On January 1st, 2026 at 7 PM CST , Reggae Hour proudly broadcasts one of the most important cultural conversations of the decade—an in-depth interview with South African reggae trailblazer Don Dada , airing on iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and ReggaeHour.com . Don Dada has become one of the strongest voices connecting the African and Caribbean diaspora. From performing before Jamaica’s Prime Minister during Hurricane Melissa relief efforts to uplifting the next generation through music, advocacy, and service, his impact echoes across continents. As he shared with Reggae Hour, “You have to be aware of what you lay down on your songs, because the words have powers” —a philosophy that has shaped a 25-year musical mission. His newest EP, Forward We Continue , stands as a cultural offering of resilience, unity, and spiritual grounding. When discussing the EP’s opening—featuring the late cultural ambassador Jessica Mbangeni—Don Dada explained, “I want to keep her legacy a...

Tommy Kilpatrick in BANKS EXPOSED:CREDIT FRAUD 1. We Entered This Conversation with Doubt When we invited Tommy Kilpatrick , author of Forgive and Forget: How to Nuke Your Credit Card Debt , we didn’t expect to leave questioning the foundation of modern banking. Tommy claims that law is language , and that words like “debt,” “loan,” and even “credit card” are loaded legal fictions. Our instinct was skepticism. Our assignment: challenge, verify, and uncover truth without swallowing theory whole. 2. “Say Allege”—The Linguistic Defense In Tommy’s framing, the difference between debt and alleged debt is the difference between burden and freedom. By simply acknowledging that a claim is “alleged,” you force the bank or collector to prove the existence of the debt —starting with something no one ever seems to see: a promissory note or invoice . “If you never signed a promissory note, there was no loan,” Tommy says calmly, looking straight into the mic. 3. When Banks Aren’t Merchants T...

  On December 21st, 2025 at 7 PM CST, Reggae Hour presents an unforgettable interview with Jamaican roots artist Ras Oneilly , broadcasting worldwide on iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and ReggaeHour.com . Ras Oneilly’s story is one of spiritual awakening, emotional resilience, and a life shaped by both joy and hardship. Born Neil Jones in Kingston, Jamaica, Ras Oneilly shares a journey that began in the busy streets of the capital and carried him through St. Elizabeth and Portmore. “ Life teaches you, and what life don’t teach you, people will teach you, ” he says, reflecting on the trials that shaped his voice and his purpose. His transformation from the playful persona Dr. Sweet to the spiritually grounded artist known as Ras Oneilly came from deep introspection. “ I wanted to sing songs that could uplift people who don’t know where to turn. ”  Throughout the interview, he explains how rhythm, life experience, and Rastafari consciousness guide his writing. “ Mus...

When Hurricane Melissa tore across Jamaica, the island faced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its modern history. Homes fell. Roads washed out. Entire communities were left in need. But in the middle of the storm’s aftermath came a moment of powerful unity — one that bridged continents, cultures, and the shared heartbeat of the African and Caribbean Diaspora. Fresh off the global stage of the G20, a post-summit link-up brought South African artist and cultural ambassador Don Dada into the same room as: Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Michael Holness Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith The purpose wasn’t politics. It wasn’t ceremony. It was relief, solidarity, and action. In that room, surrounded by dignitaries, cultural leaders, and supporters of the island, Don Dada expressed gratitude to everyone present — then delivered a soul-stirring performance of his anthem “Rise Up.” The message was unmistakable: **Jamaica will rise. But the Diaspo...

 When Dennis Brown Walked In… The Whole Vibe Shifted Some reggae stories feel like myth. Some feel like sacred cultural memories. But once in a while, an artist sits down and drops a moment so powerful that you can see it… hear it… feel it. That’s Tony Roy. And that moment? It starts with Dennis Brown walking into the studio. “Mi stop everything,” Tony says. “Man hum one melody… and di whole riddim change.” If that line alone gives you goosebumps — you’re exactly who needs to be locked in for this interview. --- Tony Roy Returns: Roots, Rhythm, & Real Stories On November 24th at 7 PM CT, reggae lovers worldwide are gathering for the return of Tony Roy on REGGAE HOUR — and this isn’t your typical interview. This is the legendary, unfiltered, behind-the-scenes truth of reggae culture. Not the polished version… Not the textbook history… But the lived experience of a man who was actually there. Studio nights with icons. Tour stories from cold cities that somehow felt like Kingston....

When the winds of Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica’s southern coast, the people of Black River, St. Elizabeth , stood firm — holding onto faith, music, and unity. This special Reggae Hour episode is dedicated to every survivor, every neighbor rebuilding from the roots up. From Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier” to The Mighty Rootsmen’s “Fly Like an Eagle,” this playlist is a soundscape of resilience — a sonic prayer carried by the heartbeat of reggae. Each track tells a story of movement, strength, and freedom: Culture Brown – “Moving Up” calls the people to rise. Emynenx – “Green Leaves” honors renewal. Rastahari – “Dubbin on Empty” channels endurance. Fyah Prince feat Iyagrade – “No Chattings” reminds us of truth through struggle. My Dubz and Dub Idren – “Black Desert” paints the emotional landscape. The Mighty Rootsmen – “Come Na Get It” and “Fly Like an Eagle” close the set with upliftment. 🌿 How to Help: Join the Bob & Rita Marley Foundatio...