Festivals around the world are starting to recognize reggae as a universally praised genre. More and more, reggae artists are escalating internationally, and one such reggae great already among the global elite is Guyana's Mad Professor – who is officially set to headline one day of four at Thailand's upcoming Wonderfruit Festival this December. Mad Professor is not only known for his multifarious approach to reggae music, but further as one of the leading producers and engineers who led dub into the digital age. After establishing his own Ariwa Sounds record label in 1979, Mad Professor has not only amplified his own art along the way, but also worked among the best in the best in the process. Best known for his Dub Me Crazy installment series (12 total!) as well as his five full-length Black Liberation albums, Mad Professor's most recent LP Dubbing with Anansi was released in February 2015 – a concept album aimed to illuminate the tales of Anansi, one of the few surviving African/Caribbean folk heroes.
No matter what you are looking for from this festival, you will definitely not have to look far to find it.
And, what better place in the world to take African/Caribbean folklore set to a dub beat than to the most diverse and culturally rich country of Thailand? From SCRATCH FIRST comes the Wonderfruit Festival: a four-day, four-stage global camping event making its return this December 15-18th at The Fields at Pattaya's Siam Country Club. The festival not only combines music, art, workshops, and cuisine for attendees to enjoy, but also pushes an agenda of positive change! This year, specifically, producers of the festival have introduced a novel carbon footprint initiative: concert-goers have the option to support and invest in the proposed Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve in Indonesia. Food will be farm-to-feast styley, all ages are welcome, and there are more than a few lifestyle activities to participate in, such as Muay Thai lessons from legendary boxer Buakaw, bike rides along inquisitive trails compliments of Life Cycling, and instructional sessions with international Ashtanga master Danny Paradise and Hatha yoga master Anastasis. There are several interactive art displays on the grounds, as well as play areas for children, and make sure to visit the Farm Stage, made entirely out of rice! No matter what you are looking for from this festival, you will definitely not have to look far to find it.
Phase 1 of the four-day line-up has been released, blending globally-renowned artists with local legends. Mad Professor will close down the day, following other international artists like Rudimental, Young Fathers, JUNUN (featuring Shye Ben Tzur & The Rajasthan Express), Kate Simko & London Electric Orchestra, Wolf + Lamb, Matador, and Nastia. Local artists announced in Phase 1 include Rasmee Isan Souk, Zero Hero, Yena, Srirajah Rockers, The Superglasses Ska Ensemble, and DJ Dragon. With additional line-up segments yet to be unveiled, the Wonderfruit Festival is already something to talk about. For more information and ticket pricing, visit http://wonderfruitfestival.com/ and stay tuned for more artist announcement throughout the fall.
2016 Wonderfruit line up
- Rudimental
- Mad Professor
- DJ Dragon
- Junun Featuring Shye Ben Tzur & The Rajasthan Express
- Kate Simko & London Electronic Orchestra
- Matador
- Nastia
- Rasmee Isan Soul
- Srirajah Rockers
- The Superglasses Ska Ensemble
- Wolf + Lamb
- Yena
- Young Fathers
- Zero Hero
- more to be announced
The Fields At Siam Country Club
50 Moo 9 T. Banglamung, Pong, Bang Lamung District
Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
December 15-18, 2016
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Wonderfruit 2015 highlights
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