In the days before Rototom Sunsplash, in the small town of Benicàssim, on the Valencian coast, there is a mixture of expectation and excitement in the air. Despite the tropical temperatures of the days prior to the festival, residents and merchants have begun to decorate and colour the city by placing the yellow, green and red flags of the festival in storefronts and windows, all to welcome the music and the people of reggae. The Rototom Sunsplash, which this year celebrate its 25th edition, is more than a simple festival: for seven straight days we can attend the performances of some of the most important artists on the international reggae scene. The festival is a meeting point between different cultures and peoples, but above all of people willing to meet and share both emotions and opinions, moments of integration and reflection on the reasons behind so many divisions and social injustices and today’s policies.

This year, the Lion Stage is also presented to the public with great enthusiasm. The artistic production team has once again improved, as far as possible, the distribution formula of the live performances. In each of the seven nights four quality bands with renowned international artists will perform, as well as bands that come to present themselves before the reggae public. The proposal of a repertoire as extensive as it is precise of rhythms and sound, mostly syncopated, will offer the public a varied array of roots, dub, soul, raggamuffin, ska, dancehall and many, many others.

Each evening we will enjoy a combination of bands from different countries, places, cultures and sounds, with Valencians  Auxili and Mediterranean Roots, the French  Mo’Kalamity and Danakil, the Peruvians  Laguna Pai, Argentine Alika, the English artist Hollie Cook, the Jamaicans Skarra Mucci and Samory I, the South Korean Saritah, the Italians Train To Roots, who will arrive after their performance on Main Stage to collaborate in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Rototom. These are just some of the almost 30 names that will pass through the Lion Stage and will do everything possible to make it an unforgettable experience for audience, artists and staff.

Happy 25th edition to all!

Paul Stones