Europe's most renowned reggae roots party Rototom Sunsplash is gearing up for 2018, with second-wave artists joining an already all star lineup. Situated beside the Mediterranean Sea, Rototom stretches seven days of pure reggae enjoyment on the sandy shores of Benicassim (Castellon, Spain). Ibiza might stand as the official party island of Spain, but an island getaway hardly compares to what goes down on the mainland every year mid-August. 2018, in particular, marks the 25th Annual Rototom Sunsplash celebration, meaning this reggae fiesta will be beyond legendary – it's a silver jubilee, after all! Mark your calendars and pack your bags: the best fest in the history of Rototom is happening August 16th-22nd.
Rototom stretches seven days of pure reggae enjoyment…
Last month, Rototom revealed the initial artists to lead the lineup and boy, these artists alone can be convincing enough. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Alborosie, Fat Freddy's Drop, Jimmy Cliff, Protoje (& the Indiggnation), Tarrus Riley featuring Dean Fraser & Black Soil Band, Green Valley, Morodo, Auxili, Danakil, Alpheus & the Mighty Megatons, Hollie Cook and The Uppertones… that's just the first announcement! With such a diverse assortment of backgrounds, countries and sound encompassed in that list, it's clear to see that Rototom is truly all-inclusive when it comes to reggae representation. Speaking of diversification, Rototom's second announcement has even more eclecticism when it comes to artist location and classification. Namely, dancehall. Subgenre bellwethers Cocoa Tea, Yellowman and Johnny Osbourne is set to get the dancehall grooving this August, as well as the decorated production duo Sly and Robbie (responsible for such megahits from Shaggy, Bob Dylan and more). Another Jamaican artist, “the lyrical millionaire” Skarra Mucci, joins the bunch although backed by French band Dub Akom. And, did we mention a Marley? That's right! Rototom 25 welcomes Julian Marley to the stage to perform for the first time in Benicassim.
What a rootsy reggae party, indeed. If that's not enough dancehall for you, two Germany bands Pow Pow Movement and Jugglerz will give you your fix, and the dubby sounds of the UK's General Roots will add a touch of modern roots to the mix. Not into that modern sound? Kick it old school with Spain's Roberto Sanchez, rocking that classic roots vibe on Day One. Into everything? Mo'kalamity from France has a smoky chanteuse to set the mood right and the harmonious Mighty Diamonds are coming back to Benicassim in 2018. Last, but not least, what's reggae without some ska? Ska stands as the debut hit genre out of Jamaica, so Rototom would be remiss without its integral inclusion. Ladies and gents, hold on to your fedoras, because The Skatalites are set to perform with Derrick Morgan, Doreen Shaffer and Vin Gordon on horn. What a skanking time to have by all!
Tickets for Rototom 25 are now available and this festival, again, offers so much more than just music. Want to experience it all without a large seven-day hotel bill? Opt for camping, with several choices to choose from for the entire family. Speaking of family, do not hesitate to bring the kids, for Rototom is for all ages. For more information and to get your tickets now, visit www.rototomsunsplash.com.
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