While most popular DJs have stories of humble beginnings and having a natural talent for mixing music, Andre 'The Rebel' Elias stands apart as a man who planted natural talent firmly in the bedrock of academic qualifications.
Not content to hold a degree in Engineering, Music Business & Film Production from The Institute of Audio Research New York, ‘The Rebel’ has enhanced his marketability by becoming a Martin Professional lighting technician & Light Show Designer. Don’t want to take our word for it? Fine, just have a stroll through the sizzling hot spot Club Xtreme on Barbados’ trendy south coast and his lightingd programming designs could fit comfortably among the exclusive clubs of New York. Versatility is another one of Andre’s trademarks as Club Xtreme, Harbour Lights and any major event all have their unique ambience at the hands of ‘The Rebel’.

But let’s start at the beginning. Growing up near the beach on the South Coast, two home systems with double tape decks; a belt driven turntable and the conspicuous absence of a mixer were the tools this DJ began his career with. In the days when house parties were the norm the seed of the ‘The Rebel’s’ reputation was planted at the age of 15. Three years later he was grabbing lucrative gigs at popular teen-clubs, weddings and special events. Then one of those gigs became permanent. At 18 he became the resident DJ at the trendy Sandy Bank nightclub and continued this trend at Mr. Blue, De Colage, Boatyard and Le Mirage.

But that roving rebellious spirit was not content. Andre took his versatility to clubs in New York, Toronto, London Ontario, Miami and Trinidad and Tobago. He started his entertainment company RebelVibes Entertainment in 1998 and offers Merchandise & Lighting Consulting & Installation, Live & Recording Engineering, Party Planning and Music Production,. In addition, having some of Barbados' hottest theme parties. With a Couple Radio Shows under his belt. 'The Rebel' had Mix 96.9 and 98.1 'The One' on fire (two of Barbados' popular stations).

As all good businessmen will attest, the next step after setting up the business is strategic alliances and that’s exactly what ‘The Rebel’ has. Baje International is the fastest-growing, youngest managed and arguably the most popular Crop Over (Carnival) band in Barbados and in 2004 Andre became one of their resident DJ’s. For a coveted two hour spot at the weekly band fetes during the Crop Over season, ‘The Rebel’ whips crowds into a rhythmical frenzy with tune after popular tune keeping the parties going until sunrise. At those parties he also shares the stage with successful DJ and music producer Peter Coppin and his ‘Monstapiece Crew’, Daddy Bubbles & Funkmaster Stan - themselves a musical force to be reckoned with. In 2005 he was approached by Mr. DJ's managers to remix 'Waistline Shots' and so done. The remix made into the top 5 charts in New York, Toronto, and Trinidad. Also cap second place tune of the crop in Barbados. 'The Rebel' was also the backing & hype man for Mr. DJ while on tour.

Brian Lara's first all-inclusive event, Booze Cruise, Blue Box Cart Band Fetes, Club Xtreme and Boomtribe's Threesome Wednesdays are a few other events 'The Rebel' had locked down during the crop over season 2006. Rebel has played alongside some of the biggest names in industry...Rupee, Alison Hinds, Krosfyah, Nelly Furtado, Bryans Adams, Beenie Man, Capleton, Isasha, KMC...just to name a few. Much respect to all the Disc-Jockeys who had an impact on 'The Rebel's' life...Malcolm X, DJ Daddy, Inga, DJ Surgeon, Peter Coppin, Fuzz, Willow...to much to mention. Nuff luv and respect to all.

So what’s next for the man with a passion for music and cutting edge electronic technology? A production studio for starters, his own radio show and more of those ‘rebel vibes’ that have helped make the name for Andre ‘Rebel’ Elias. Maybe a international soca DJ award:)