‘Cherish Rebel Salute’, Kxng Izem pleads
AS PATRONS gear up for an explosion of roots and reggae culture at Rebel Salute this weekend, first-time performer Dmitri ‘Kxng Izem’ Cummings is encouraging Jamaicans to ‘cherish’ the annual show for all it represents.
“Rebel Salute is the only concert that deals with conscious music straight through. And, it is really important for pushing that message of positivity that reggae is known for,” Cummings told The Gleaner.
“We need to cherish it,” he stressed. “Cherish it like how the foreigners cherish it, and like how they love reggae music; and Rebel Salute is reggae music.”
For the up-and-comer, being invited to perform at an event like this means more than anyone can imagine.
“For me it means the world, because is a good amount a years now I’ve been working on the craft and putting in the work. So even to be performing on a platform like this is a huge stepping stone.”
SMALL WINS
Kxng Izem believes that the success of one his most recent popular songs, BBL, gave him the push he needed to be featured on Rebel Salute.
“The reception for that song has been exceptional. The beat has that original ‘90s dancehall feel, and, you know, coupled with my modern reggae flow, really got to people, and it shows,” he said.
The tune speaks about the growing demand for many women to get Brazilian butt lifts, which many say has been fuelled by many celebrities and social media.
Izem explained that it was the experience of a close friend that compelled him to sing on the topic.
“She shared her experience with me. And from the moment she told me how she felt about it, is like I could just imagine how many other young women feel about it. So I wanted to represent for all women who feel that way, and protect our women, and to let them know they aren’t alone.”
EXPECTATIONS
Kxng Izem will be performing on night two of Rebel Salute – alongside the likes of Yellowman, Sean Paul, Queen Ifrica, Capleton, and Louie Culture – and he says the fans can look out for the “new and innovative”.
“The fans can expect some shocking and exciting reggae; some new style, and just good music and a good performance over all,” he said.
When asked about his readiness, he simply laughed, while explaining that nervousness has yet to visit him, but he knows it’s on the way.