The search for emerging talent enters its most exciting phase. After receiving dozens of musical entries full of message and positive vibes, the Rototom Sunsplash organization and the Exodus Foundation announce that the popular voting period for the Rumbo a Rototom contest is now open.
This initiative, which aims to showcase bands and artists residing in Spain, now puts the spotlight on fans and followers of Jamaican music. Your voice will be decisive in choosing who will take the stage at the Welcome Party on August 16.
A borderless sound map
The richness of Rumbo a Rototom 2026 lies in its origins. The 56 accepted entries draw a map spanning 12 Autonomous Communities and no fewer than 35 different cities. From major hubs like Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia, to emerging talent from places like Lajares in Fuerteventura, Ondara or Centelles. Reggae, dub and roots music know no distances, and this list is the ultimate proof of a connected scene that’s more alive than ever.
The Quality Jury: Professional excellence
We know that rigor is a fundamental pillar of this contest. Therefore, we are proud to present the expert committee that will be responsible for evaluating the proposals. This esteemed jury is comprised of a diverse selection of promoters, journalists, and leading professionals, covering key aspects of the national music scene:
- Miguel Camaño: Radio Nacional de España (Radio 3 / Radio 1).
- Iñigo Castro: Txapel Reggae Festival (Armintza, Basque Country).
- Eloi Contreras: Nowa Reggae Festival (Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia).
- Bruno Giusti: Rototom Sunsplash Festival (Benicàssim, Valencian Community).
- Alex Kurh: Reggae Boa Festival (Balboa, Castilla y León).
- Xoán Lois Vila: Minho Reggae Splash – Minho Reggae Cultural Association (Pontevedra, Galicia).
- Carlos Monty: Lawyer, writer, journalist and reggae chronicler (Valencia/Madrid).
- Javier Pulpo: Extremareggae Music Festival (Puebla de la Calzada, Extremadura).
- José Carlos Ramos: Do the Reggae – DotheReggae Sociocultural Association (Madrid).
Their experience will be key to assessing technique, originality, and stage presence, working hand-in-hand with the popular vote to find the most authentic sounds of this edition of Rumbo a Rototom.
Key dates: mark your calendar!
So you don’t miss any step of this collective process, these are the dates that will mark the road to Benicàssim:
- April 13 (Monday): Official publication of participating bands and opening of the voting platform and jury deliberation.
- May 4 (Monday): Close of popular voting. Make sure you’ve cast your vote before this day!
- May 8 (Friday): Publication of the final ranking and official announcement of the winning acts that will perform at the festival.
How to take part in the vote?
For your vote to count, you just need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official website: Access the Rumbo a Rototom platform.
- Listen and discover: Take a moment to get to know each artist or band. There are incredible proposals that deserve to be heard by everyone.
- Vote for your favorite: The public vote represents 20% of the final score, complementing the expert vision of the professional jury.
By participating, you not only support your favorite band, but you also strengthen a musical network committed to diversity, peace, and sustainability.
Enter now, discover the talent, and help your artists reach the top in Benicàssim!
