The international Rototom Sunsplash festival closes the line-up for its 30th edition, set to light up this summer in Benicàssim, from 16 to 23 August, with almost 200 performances on its seven stages, with the inspiring theme of “Celebrating Life”. Because if there is one thing that is clear to the music festival is that the 2025 edition will be an edition to celebrate, collectively, and the line-up captures that essence to the fullest.
The 2025 line-up highlights the festival’s ongoing commitment to the many sounds that connect with Jamaican music. A mix that is echoed in the audience: global, vibrant, and as diverse as the artists on stage, with acts from Jamaica, the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Ivory Coast, China, UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.
The three female artists featured in this latest announcement embody the open and inclusive vision that guides Rototom Sunsplash. Koffee, Grammy Winner, the young phenomenon with her contemporary reggae that blends elements of dancehall, hip hop and R&B, giving shape to a very fresh and personal style; dancehall queen Spice, with her lyrics filled with feminine power; and Marcia Griffiths, a living legend in reggae. These three women represent the soul of three Jamaican generations, each one bringing her own fire and legacy to the stage.
Almost twenty styles across 7 stages will be featured in this packed edition: from reggae to dancehall, dub, ska, hip-hop, jungle, raggatek, afrobeats, amapiano, cumbia, rumba, tropical sounds and, for the first time, even reggae-metal. Alternative sounds where digital beats, reggae roots and hip hop energy flow together: from the vintage style sound system flair of L’Entourloop to the raw lyrical power and stage energy of Saïan Supa Celebration; West Coast bands, reggae metal Aurorawave and the smooth roots reggae band Tribal Seeds. Abakush mix of reggae with jazz and gospel flavours. And fresh on the bill, Kumbia Boruka lead a fierce line-up of ska, and cumbia, joining the already confirmed ETS, Maruja Limón, and La Yegros.
Diversity is in Rototom’s DNA from day one. The festival has brought together audiences of all ages, with an outstanding family profile attracted not only by the music, but also by the extensive cultural programme that surrounds it; far beyond the reggae that beats at its heart.
Rototom breaks sound borders with its vibe. “There’s something for everyone, and that’s why every summer you see crowds of all ages and from all over the world who come to the festival every summer, ready to explore new sounds and to live an experience that’s more than just music’, the organisers explain.
On stage tributes to Bob Marley for his 80th birthday
The 30th edition of the Rototom Sunsplash marks the 80th birthday of the reggae legend, Bob Marley. His spirit will light up the Benicàssim stage stronger than ever. The line-up celebrates this anniversary, bringing Bob Marley’s legacy to the stage through his sons, Julian Marley and Ky-Mani Marley with Alborosie as a special guest for an exclusive show. Adding to the tribute will be, The Wailers, the original Marley’s band, and Marcia Griffiths, a cornerstone of the I-Threes who accompanied with her soulful backing vocals Bob Marley & The Wailers.
A tribute that is rounded off with the screening, during the festival in collaboration with Reggae University, of the biopic “Bob Marley: One Love”, which revives the memory of the Jamaican singer and composer.
The 30th anniversary also welcomes reggae icon: Ken Boothe, who will perform classics rocksteady and soul alongside Lloyd Parks & We the People Band, who will also back Marcia Griffiths.
The deep journey that this edition delivers incorporates UK pioneers Aswad, known for blending roots with smooth R&B and soul vibes. On the new school side, Jamaican artist Mortimer steps in with a fresh mix of conscious roots and modern soul.
On the Spanish front, heavy hitters Morodo & Okumé Lions take over, along with the viral Pure Negga Reggae Cyphera project with millions of views on YouTube thanks to its dynamic and choral format, featuring special guests such as Fyahbwoy, Green Valley, Little Pepe, Chusterfield, King Magneto, Rick Rocket and King Reyes, in quick relays on stage.
Sound system culture stands tall, with legends like David Rodigan, heavyweights Kybba, O.B.F., Sister Nancy, and Mad Professor running the vibes in the Dancehall and Dub Academy zones
Fresh Vibes: Four rising crews heading to Rototom
A new wave of talent is landing at Rototom Sunsplash. Thanks to the ‘Rumbo a Rototom’ contest, four upcoming bands are ready to touch down on the Lion Stage this summer. They are Kulto Kultibo, from Irún, who will perform on Monday 18 August; Baboon Prophecy, from Córdoba (Tuesday 19); and Joy Martínez and Fresh Warapa, from Madrid, who will perform on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 August, respectively.
With this final drop, Rototom Sunsplash locks in a solid line-up, led by heavyweight names like like Shaggy, Burning Spear, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Tarrus Riley, Steel Pulse, Misty in Roots, Morgan Heritage or Third World, the perfect soundtrack for this year’s ‘Celebrating Life’ journey.
