Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae were born in the 1960s – and Rototom Sunsplash is proud to welcome three of the decade’s crucial groups to the Main Stage with Toots and the Maytals, The Heptones and The Silvertones, as the latest additions to the lineup for its 24th edition, with the theme Celebrating Africa to be held 12 to 19 August in Benicassim.

The Heptones, formed in the late 50s, became premier Rocksteady exponents at Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s Studio 1 label. Songs like Fattie Fattie, Party Time and Pretty Looks Isn’t All set the foundation of Jamaican music forever after. In the 70s, the trio of Leroy Sibbles, Earl Morgan and Barry Llewellyn adapted to the reggae beat, recording for Lee “Scratch” Perry and Island Records. The current line-up of founder member Earl Morgan with Robert Dacres and Carlton Scarlett will leave the Main Stage spellbound by their vast catalogue of serene, elegant music.

The Silvertones started their career in 1964, singing for Studio 1’s rival Duke Reid at Treasure Isle. Their thunderous 1968 cut of Wilson Pickett’s Midnight Hour was a perfect example of Rocksteady’s soul music connection. Founder member Keith Coley will be joined by Joel “Kush” Brown and Anthony Fuertado for a procession of timeless songs and sweet harmonies.

The legendary Toots and the Maytals began in Ska and were the first group to sing the word “Reggay” and boast a record 31 Jamaican number one hits. Following a 3 year hiatus, Toots and his band are reunited and back on the road. Featuring musicians who have played together since the 60s, sound-tracking Toots’ extraordinary soulful roar, the Maytals are sure to be a highlight of Rototom 2017.