Ninja Man (left) listens carefully as Mutabaruka speaks.

Western Bureau:

Dancehall veterans left one thing certain at Friday's staging of Rebel Salute in St Ann, that the genre needs to return to the foundation that gave birth to the likes of Little John, Louie Culture, General Trees and Professor Nuts.

The undiluted entertainment component of their material contributed to a diverse Rebel Salute package that left patrons satisfied with nostalgic moments that the current crop of dancehall entertainers lack.

Known for his witty lyrical compositions and delivery, the famously short Little John was nothing short of brilliant as he took patrons down memory lane with his All Over Me lyrics that set the tone for what many hoped would have lasted more than his 15-minute performance. Long before Vybz Kartel's Clarks wearing days, Little John and his Clarks Booty songingrainedthe idea that Clarks was the ideal shoe of choice in Jamaica. Without question, Little John still has what it takes to have patrons on their feet and dancing the night away.

yet effective

With hits like Gangalee, No Gal, and Rudie Don't Fear, Louie Culture was on point was each song he delivered saw couples taking it back to the days when they intimately gyrated to these hits that were popular at dancehall sessions.

While he was not billed to perform, dancehall icon Ninja Man made a brief yet effective appearance when he was called onstage by emcee Mutabaruka. The Irie FM's Cutting Edge radio personality used the opportunity to challenge Ninja Man to help to clean up Jamaica's dancehall music and embrace a change in lifestyle for others to emulate.

General Trees's message of Eye No See could not be more relevant as there are reports internationally that horse meat was found in some beef burgers. The song, which was recorded over 20 years ago, had patrons in stitches as they danced to this and other songs like Gone A Negril and Mini Bus, among several others.

Once his name was announced, and as he came onstage, it was difficult not to chuckle before he even uttered a word as patrons knew Professor Nuts was anything but dull in his performances.

The Tan So Back entertainer gave a short and comedic performance that was sufficient even as he highlighted serious issues in his lyrics. He showed that persons do not have get violent in solving disputes.

General Trees - Sheena Gayle