Florida: well-known for sunshine, beaches, amusement parks and, of course, a thriving music scene. Less than three months away, Reggae Rise Up Florida is returning to the “Sunshine City” of St. Petersburg. The longest running festival within the Reggae Rise Up event portfolio, RRUF will once again take over Vinoy Park on the beautiful Tampa Bay this March 14th through 17th, 2024 — four days that are sure to be unforgettable!
From its inception, as encompassed in its namesake, Reggae Rise Up has had a rich tradition rooted in the reggae rock scene.
Growing exponentially from its humble beginnings as a one-day event in 2015, it has continuously diversified its lineup, bringing together headliners, up-and-coming artists, and everything in between — both local and from afar — from across the reggae musical spectrum.
The upcoming 2024 lineup has many alumnae from past years, including Rebelution and Ballyhoo! — two bands that had performed the festival’s inaugural year. While many favorites make their return to the Reggae Rise Up stages, there are quite a few first-time RRUF artists also set to grace the stages, including Lupe Fiasco, Burning Spear, Cydeways, and The Kaleidoscope Kid.
First-time performer or returning favorite; internationally-known legend or hometown staple…
From the first sets to the closing bands, there will be a lot that festivalgoers will not want to miss. Here is a non-exhaustive list of a few of Top Shelf’s must-see artists at Reggae Rise Up Florida 2024:
Damian Jr. Gong & Stephen Marley
These two iconic Marleys join forces in a single performance to close out Friday night. Despite sharing the Marley namesake, they have built their own fame with individual styles: Damian leaning more heavily into dancehall and Stephen blending traditional roots reggae smoothly with a plethora of other influences. We’re looking forward to the melding of these two into one memorable performance!
Rawayana
Originating in Venezuela, they are bringing their fusion of reggae, funk, soul, rock, and Caribbean rhythms around the world in 2024. Stopping by St. Petersburg between their tour of Latin America and Europe in support of their newest music, this set is sure to be a new flavor that will excite the crowd.
The Green
Hailing from Hawaii, The Green is ending their Step Out Winter Tour by bringing their distinctive roots reggae meets island vibes sound to Reggae Rise Up. This is the first time they are bringing their island energy and silky smooth harmonies back to RRUF since 2017.
Protoje
Addictive melodies and conscious lyrical messages, Protoje blends hip hop, soul, and jazz with staples of his Jamaican upbringing — reggae and dancehall.
Boostive
A musical collective out of Ocean Beach, San Diego, Boostive draw from roots, dub, ambient, electronic, hip hop, jazz, and World music. A unique instrumental experience with soulful vocals, this group is sure to leave the weekend with new fans from their first Reggae Rise Up appearance.
While the musical lineup alone drives over 15,000 people from near and far to attend the festival, Reggae Rise Up offers a full experience, inclusive of art, craft vendors, exceptional food purveyors, and stripped down acoustic sets at the intimate Sugarshack Stage. The vibe that pulsates from this festival is near impossible to emulate anywhere else or encapsulate into words. As cliché as the saying may be, ‘you’ll just have to be there’. Join the thousands making their annual pilgrimage to St. Pete for Reggae Rise Up Florida via the links below! Trust us, this festival is always well worth the trip.
Reggae Reise Up Florida 2023 official aftermovie:
Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Share this article
or
Get music updates in your inbox