Reggae University

Since 2007, the Reggae University is a key pillar of the Rototom Sunsplash cultural program. Well known reggae journalists, writers, academics as well as practitioners and performing artists get together in a series of meetings to reason about, to discuss and to analyze important aspects and moments of reggae music and culture.

Sessions focus on the past, present and future of reggae to explore the evolution of the music, as well as its global nature as one of the most influential contemporary musical styles which is grounded in a rich cultural heritage. The University sessions deal with various topics ranging from the diverse musical repertoire, lyrical content, emancipatory, social and political aspects, spiritual depth as well as the musics manifestation in film and print.

The collective in charge of coordinating the sessions is formed by David Katz, biographer of Lee “Scratch” Perry, author of “Solid Foundation: An Oral History of Reggae” and creative consultant for different reggae labels; Elen Koehlings and Pete Lilly, editors of the German magazine Riddim Magazine and Pier Tosi, Italian journalist and director of the radio program Soul Shakedown Party, a point of reference in Italy for all reggae fans.

The Reggae University headquarters is a big tent on the festival’s grounds. Besides the panel discussions, it hosts other cultural events like: movies and documentaries from around the world, book launches and readings, lectures and workshops, exhibitions and seminars about Rastafari livity.

Past guests, films and sessions: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007.