Stonebwoy added to the list of 24 new names for Rototom Sunsplash 2019
From Ghana to Jamaica passing through the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and Sardinia, the Rototom Sunsplash reggae festival lives up to its ‘international’ reputation and covers half the planet in the second round of confirmations for its 2019 edition, which will be held in Benicàssim (Spain) from August 16 to 22 under the slogan Stand up for Earth. Twenty-four names led by the Jamaicans Morgan Heritage, Culture and Bushman and adding to the musical quality of this 26th edition, marked by anniversary parties: Third World and Misty in Roots celebrate their 45 and 40 years in music, respectively.
Stonebwoy, known by fans of contemporary reggae and dancehall for his collaborations with artists such as Sean Paul (Most Original) and Kabaka Pyramid (Borders). His versatility and interconnection between Jamaican and African music at a time when the barriers between afro-pop and dancehall are diluted make him an excellent choice for Rototom.
Morgan Heritage.
Among the new names for Rototom Sunsplash 2019 Morgan Heritage stands out, as one of the major reggae families. The heirs of the great Denroy Morgan return to the festival with an eclectic yet perfect mix of reggae, dancehall, R & B, pop and rock that reflects their double Jamaican and New York heritage, and their repertoire of hits.
Culture ft Kenyatta Hill.
The golden age of reggae will be present with the legendary Jamaican vocal trio Culture, with the special intervention of Kenyatta Hill, son of Joseph Hill, founder of the band who died in 2006. With a voice that evokes that of his father, he will lead a journey in time to enjoy the legacy of this seminal reggae group, responsible for Two Sevens Clash, considered one of the best albums of the genre. Also joining the line-up Jamaican Rasta singer Bushman with his trademark powerful baritone voice and the conscious reggae that emanates from his lyrics loaded with commitment.
Bushman.
Also joining the line-up Jamaican Rasta singer Bushman with his trademark powerful baritone voice and the conscious reggae that emanates from his lyrics loaded with commitment.
Third World.
The 2019 edition will be marked by anniversaries. As is the case with the 45 years in music being celebrated by Third World, one of the most influential Jamaican bands whose legacy is evident in the reggae formations of the 21st century. They will present their new album produced by Damian Marley.
Jah9.
Another powerful double for this edition is the Jamaican poet and singer-songwriter Jah9, at the forefront of both the resurgence of Jamaican reggae and the growing feminine energy in popular music in general; and Jo Mersa Marley, son of Stephen and grandson of Bob, and the second name of the clan for the 2019 poster, after the already announced Ziggy Marley.
Experience in abundance is what the British reggae group Misty In Roots boast. Spawned in West London, in the 70’s they were among the most militant bands of the ‘Rock against Racism’ movement. Over the last 40 years they have remained faithful to their style, the solemn and ardent Rastafarian reggae, without succumbing to other rhythms in search of commercial success, their seamless sobriety adds to the Rototom line-up.
The wave of birthday parties continues with the 55th anniversary of the English sound system V Rocket, the 20 years of the German sound Sentinel, which disembarks from Stuttgart to raise the temperature this summer, and also the 20th of the Jamaican group Ward 21.
The musical journey continues with the Californian reggae fusion band Slightly Stoopid, which premieres at Rototom with its careful mix of reggae, hip hop, punk, blues and folk; and with the Jamaican Warrior King, the favourite reggae artist of the former president of the United States, Barack Obama. His sixth album will b1e released at Rototom Sunsplash.
Green Valley, Macaco and the women’s project of Women Soldier, promoted by the producer Chalart58 along with Sista Awa, Matah, Belén Natali and High Paw, nourish the Spanish representation for this edition of the festival. Rounding out the circle are Koers, Lasai with the Forward Ever Band and Green Light Sound System, host of the Dub Academy.
Five other intercontinental and multi-genre offerings extend the musical horizon of Sunsplash. The prolific Jamaican singer and producer Linval Thompson, earning his place with works for Lee Scratch Perry and Bunny Lee in the early 70s, continues to offer live performances as intense as in his heyday, as he will prove at the Rototom Sunsplash with the band Strong Like Sampson formed by members of Roberto Sánchez’s, Lone Ark. Also from the Caribbean Island, from Port Antonio to be precise, are The Jolly Boys, one of the most active mento bands, original Jamaican music, predating Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae and Dancehall.