Grammy-winning reggae artiste Kabaka Pyramid is showing no signs of slowing down after revealing that some of his performances had been cancelled, as he prepares to take his Rebel Music US Tour across America this November. Rather than expressing disappointment, the Jamaican entertainer appeared unfazed by the setbacks, declaring on social media that he could rejoice because the situation suggested he was doing something right. The development comes as Kabaka prepares for an ambitious 20-date touring schedule spanning several American states and Hawaii, celebrating 15 years of his influential Rebel Music project.
In a message shared on Instagram, the artiste wrote: “Dem cancel mi shows but me sit back an rejoice a so me get fi know me did a do supm right.” He accompanied the statement with the hashtags #StandFirm and #RebelMusicTLT. However, Kabaka did not identify the promoters, venues or circumstances surrounding the cancellations, leaving questions about the affected performances unanswered. There is also no confirmed indication that the cancellations will affect his upcoming US tour.
Meanwhile, the Rebel Music US Tour is scheduled to begin on November 4 at The Bunker Brewpub in Virginia Beach, Virginia, before travelling through several destinations, including Asheville, New Orleans, Austin, Taos, Boulder, Berkeley, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles and San Diego. The itinerary also includes performances in Hawaii, with the final listed dates taking the tour to Maui and Hilo. The anniversary celebration revisits the musical foundation that helped establish Kabaka’s reputation for socially conscious lyrics, roots reggae and hip-hop influences.
The tour announcement follows the artiste’s recent comments about the need for stronger business infrastructure within Jamaican reggae. During an interview with Soundchat Radio, Kabaka argued that the genre needs greater collaboration, professional management, coordinated touring arrangements and stronger international booking relationships. Reflecting on his experience touring with American reggae-rock band Rebelution, he described that experience as his most financially rewarding tour, highlighting the commercial benefits of an organised touring operation. He also questioned the industry’s tendency to measure success primarily through arena and stadium performances, suggesting that appropriately sized venues could offer more sustainable opportunities.
Kabaka’s latest activities also include Rebel Music – The Lyrics Tape, released in August as a retrospective celebration of his musical journey, alongside the hip-hop collaboration ‘A Warrior’s Pain’ featuring Styles P and R-Mean. As he prepares to bring his music to audiences across the United States, the cancelled-show revelation adds another talking point to a significant period in his career. For Kabaka Pyramid, the message appears clear: the Rebel Music movement continues, regardless of the obstacles.
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