The wide offering and different musical formulas on the same night are the best qualities of the Lion Stage. Top quality music to satisfy every type of palate. Electronic and Caribbean sounds have been the queens of the fifth day of Rototom.

We started with Ras Kuko, who arrived at exactly 9.45pm. The singer from the Canary Islands was historically joined by One Xe Band from Madrid, bringing their new show to the Lion Stage, four years after their first appearance at Rototom. It was a full and successful show, with references to their beloved Caribbean sounds that are usually present in Ras Kuko’s tunes.

Speaking of influences and electronic music, when the moment came for Zion Train to perform, in their 30th anniversary show, their fans were already waiting for them. There were people from collaborators to cultural and musical influencers, of different nationalities and origins, united by one creed; music, dub and reggae. It was an exceptional show that featured a range of different styles and a mixture of masculine and feminine voices; Raiz from Almamegretta, Nish Wadada, Dubdadda, Paolo Polcari, the Master of Dub Paolo Baldini on the bass, and many more. It was a totally liquid mix from dancehall to dub and was powerful and captivating. The audience that came were fascinated by the sounds created by the machines and gadgets managed by the director of the audience; Neil Perch, who continues to be highly innovative and experimental. With things running at full power, the people felt the good vibes. Zion Train should play every night at Rototom.

The French reggae activists Danakil have been friends of Rototom for many years since their last appearance on the Main Stage in 2014, returning to the Lion Stage that will full of French fans who waited patiently for more than an hour. It was roots reggae of the new generation, an intersection of very natural styles with lyrics that reflected precisely how to think of the artists. The show was very varied and dynamic and the all the reggae people were kept entertained and had a lot of fun.

Closing the fifth day was Saritah. She’s from South Korea but resides in Australia and brought a feminine touch to the night time crowd amassing around the Lion Stage. Her performance featured intense songs, light melodies but with very conscious lyrics, charged with meaning, all of this with a roots reggae, soul and dancehall sound. It was a great show for sunrise, which is always plays out at the Lion Stage.

Written by Paul Stones. Translated by Càrol Ferré and Finn Darco