By Bakary Ceesay, in Germany
The pulsating rhythms of roots reggae are set to echo through the West Coast Region once again as the 2nd edition of the Rebel Reggae Festival takes center stage on November 29, 2025, at Brikama Boxba.
Spearheaded by Senegambian reggae legend Rebellion the Recaller, this vibrant event promises more than just music—it’s a rallying cry for social change, cultural pride, and regional unity.
Organized by Inspired Ones, the festival transforms into a full-fledged cultural immersion, drawing reggae enthusiasts from The Gambia, Senegal, and beyond. “This isn’t just a concert; it’s a movement to inspire the youth and honor our African roots,” Rebellion declared in a recent statement. At its heart lies a mission to educate the younger generation on reggae’s transformative power as a tool for self-expression, resilience, and peace.
The lineup is a powerhouse of talent, featuring Rebellion the Recaller alongside ST, BrikamaBoyo, Maha D Hammer, Sparkly Black, Hussian Dada, Naty Easy, Musical Virus, Unstoppable Fyah, Awa Gambia, Daddy Bostin, Laminator, Gosso D Thunder, Youtah Dread, T. Berry, Musa Filly Jobarteh, Asidik, and many more. These artists will deliver electrifying live band performances, backed by the spinning decks of DJs Fireman, Legal Sound, DJ Bullet, and DJ Stone Kylah. Expect anthemic sets that blend conscious lyrics with infectious grooves, which have defined the genre for decades.
Rebellion the Recaller, a global icon with an illustrious career spanning continents, founded the festival to give back to his devoted fans. Born in The Gambia, he burst onto the scene in 1999 with his debut hit “We Must Rebel,” a collaboration with Suns Of Light (the US R&B sensation known as THE BOYZ in the ’90s) under the Majula record store banner. Released via his Inspired Ones label, the single dominated the Top 10 charts in The Gambia and Senegal for months, becoming the highest-selling record by a Gambian artist—a milestone yet to be broken.
The track’s wildfire spread carried it across Africa, then to Europe (England, Germany, Norway, Switzerland), the reggae-mad Caribbean, the Americas, and Asia. Rebellion’s international debut album, produced by Reggae Hall of Fame legend Bobby “Digital” Dixon in Kingston, Jamaica, featured collaborations with stars like Sizzla Kalonji, Garnet Silk, Beenie Man, and Shabba Ranks. Hits followed on riddims like Gangstalaw, Bad Boys, and Arrogant, including “Intentions” with German reggae superstar Gentleman on the *Diversity* album. His latest single, “Ultimately” from the Moonlight Riddim, previews the upcoming album *In This Time*.
Beyond the stage, the festival offers cultural workshops, storytelling sessions, and interactive forums that delve into reggae’s rich African roots. These aim to foster pride, break down barriers of race and religion, and empower youth to use music for positive change. “Reggae unites us in resilience and peace,” Rebellion emphasizes, embodying his “Inspired One” ethos.
With performances across Germany, Norway, continental Europe, and Africa, Rebellion’s vision culminates here: a celebration honoring Senegambian culture while motivating a better future. As gates open at Brikama Boxba, the Rebel Reggae Festival stands poised to reignite the spirit of Rebellion—for unity, not division.
