In attendance will be the first Jamaican supergroup the Skatalites with Derrick Morgan; foundation roots harmony group the Mighty Diamonds and Bob Marley’s mystic son Julian, performing for the first time in Castellón
Following last month’s confirmation including the USA’s Ben Harper and New Zealanders Fat Freddy’s Drop, with the special concert Alborosie and the Jamaican triangle Protoje -Jimmy Cliff-Tarrus Riley, reggae macro event launches another wave of names, with the Caribbean island at its epicentre. Led by the mystic son of Bob Marley, Julian, preforming for the first time in Benicàssim; the standard bearers of ska, The Skatalites, with Derrick Morgan and Doreen Shaffer, and harmonious roots group The Mighty Diamonds. The line-up is further enriched by the pioneers of 80’s dancehall Cocoa Tea, Yellowman, Johnny Osbourne and Sly and Robbie.
Rototom Sunsplash reaches deep into Jamaican music’s foundation, which is at the heart of the event. Between them, the artists scheduled to appear boast a catalogue that could play for the entire length of the festival and beyond.
Returning for the 25th Anniversary of Rototom Sunsplash are one of roots reggae’s most enduringly popular groups, The Mighty Diamonds (August 22). Rising in the mid-70s at Channel One studio with game-changing smash ‘Right Time’, the soulful trio continued to make hits in the 80s with the highly influential ‘Pass the Kutchie’ on the ‘Full Up rhythm’.
Rototom Celebrates its 25th Anniversary August 2018
Some of the Mighty Diamonds’ early successes were driven by drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare. Sly and Robbie, the production duo behind the phenomenally successful Taxi label (who have worked with Shaggy, Bob Dylan and Grace Jones) bring a special star-packed Taxi Connection showcase to Benicàssim (August 17) this year. Taking the mic will be inspirational deejay icon king Yellowman, in an exclusive Rototom appearance with “the Riddim Twins”. Also making ‘the Connection‘ will be godfather of dancehall singers Johnny Osbourne, and angelic-voiced British rocksteady revivalist Bitty Mclean, touring his new album produced by Sly and Robbie, out in April.
From the same 80s era as Sly and Robbie is another golden voice that will delight festival goers on opening day, August 16, Clarendon parish-raised dancehall crooner Cocoa Tea. His versatility on stage, switching from his own to classic material at will, has made him an ever-dependable entertainer.
Yet roots reggae and dancehall would never have existed without the first internationally successful Jamaican music, ska. The standard bearers for this fast paced and positive rhythm, created as Jamaica became independent, were supergroup The Skatalites. Still touring today, the ska masters carry, on August 18 their own showcase to the 25th Rototom –featuring long-time vocal partner Doreen Shaffer and an exclusive guest appearance by another of ska’s popularisers, the immortal Derrick Morgan and the Jamaican trumpeter Vin Gordon. Ska fanatics will not want to miss this.
The spirit of Bob Marley lives on in the music of his children. And this year, the festival welcomes back the enigmatic and deeply spiritual son of the legend, Julian Marley, performing for the first time in Benicassim on August 16. The only English born Marley, Julian’s music has a uniquely roots flavour that will appeal to reggae fans of all ages.
Representing the UK are rising modern roots and dub band, General Roots (18 August). Hailing from France are elegant smoky voiced singer Mo’kalamity, and the prolific Dub Akom band, who back Jamaican-born guest emcee, “the lyrical millionaire” Skarra Mucci on August 19. Germany sends two of dancehall music’s top competitive sound systems and labels: Pow Pow Movement and Jugglerz, performing August 18 and 19, respectively.
Finally, out of Spain, comes another very special showcase assembled by master producer and excavator of classic roots music, Roberto Sánchez. featuring himself Inés Pardo, Benjamin and Shanti Yalah (16 August).
With this injection of musical quality, the line-up for Rototom 25 is taking shape. See you in Benicassim this August 16 to 22