Rototom Sunsplash is a celebration of cultural diversity, making it a unique meeting point in Europe and a showcase for connecting, cross-border, and intergenerational sounds. A good example of this is the lineup this Friday, August 22nd, the penultimate day of its 30th edition, “Celebrating Life”. It kicks off with the Cuban hip hop of Orishas, whose stop in Benicàssim reinforces the Caribbean roots that surround the Jamaican music event on this special anniversary.
After revolutionising the international scene with albums like “A lo cubano” or “Emigrante”, bringing Cuban reality and Afro-Latin culture to the center of the global music scene, Orishas will share their unmistakable mix of rap, son, Afro-Cuban rhythms, with lyrics full of social commentary, projected from the very heart of Havana.
Misty in Roots join the evenings events, another of the most significant names in the festival’s history, who wanted to celebrate 30 years of Rototom. Theirs was the first international reggae show organised by the Rototom collective in February 1992, and a catalyst for the passion for the genre that the musical gathering continues to champion today. They are recognised as a cult band, who are completely independent and break free of fashions and trends. The British group will celebrate its 50-year career in Benicàssim, faithful to its roots style. Misty in Roots will also participate at the Reggae University, a few hours before their show.
The legendary Jamaican artist Ken Boothe completes this musical journey through the 30 editions of Rototom Sunsplash on the Main Stage. He will build his show with rocksteady and soul rhythms, together with Lloyd Parks & We The People Band, as well as the lyrical power and stage presence of Saïan Supa Celebration.
The Lion Stage also embodies diversity of sounds with the Californian reggae-metal band Aurorawave; a live example of that mix of the raw force of heavy rock with the rhythmic vibes of reggae, creating an innovative and captivating experience. The Catalan group Maruja Limón will share their fusion of rumba with dembow, electronica, salsa, and pop with the Rototom audience.
The Reggae University -in addition to the meeting with Misty in Roots– will offer a face-to-face with Tiken Jah Fakoly, as a prelude to his appearance on the Main Stage this Saturday 23rd, the festival’s final day. In “Tales from an exile”, the African reggae star will talk about his many years of life outside his native Burkina Faso, illuminating the political relevance of his work and how his nomadic existence has shaped his particular style of roots reggae.
Extra-musical events: a workshop to learn how to play the theremin closes the science area
The Discovery Lab science space, promoted by CERN, will say goodbye to Rototom Sunsplash with a workshop on learning how to play the theremin. It’ll be taught by the Austrian composer Dorit Chrysler, who will land in Benicàssim directly from New York, where she collaborates with several museums.
In Mágico Mundo, Sistah Maryjane, singer of Emeterians, will give a music and movement workshop for children and families, where she will guide song and dance full of energy and rhythm. A fun experience that introduces the little ones to the sounds of reggae through play and bodily expression.
Teen Yard has plenty on offer: from theater (‘Dream is Life’, with Thimbo Samb) to more Afro-modern dance in Jamkunda; whereas you can find an innovative body awareness and movement workshop from The Movement Spirit in Pachamama. The area will also host a workshop on the healing power of plants, as well as another, guided by Llavors d’ací to explore the deep link between agricultural biodiversity and cultural diversity through art, which will energize this Friday’s extramusical lineup.
