The 31st edition of Rototom Sunsplash will take place in Benicàssim from August 17 to 22, with a Welcome Party on Sunday, August 16, serving as a pre-festival event. The festival, under the slogan 'The Place to Be', solidifies its position as an international meeting point for reggae culture, offering not only music but also spaces for community, debate, and learning.
The musical lineup will bridge the gap between reggae roots and contemporary forms of the genre. Prominent names such as Alpha Blondy with The Solar System, Luciano & Jah Messenjah Band, The Itals & The Roots Radics, Bushman & The Grassroots Band, and Twinkle Brothers represent the more 'roots' side. There will also be space for artists like The Skatalites, Israel Vibration & The Roots Radics, and Queen Omega.
The current sound of reggae and dancehall will be represented by artists such as Major Lazer Soundsystem, Protoje, Shenseea, Dub Inc, and BigaRanx. The lineup is further enriched with names like Greentea Peng, Hollie Cook, Lia Kali, Kybba, Mr Vegas, Charly Black, and Bamby. Additionally, unique proposals include a tribute to Lee Scratch Perry by his son Omar Perry, the Pure Negga Cypher Experience, and the supergroup G-5.
One of this year's new features is the first-ever Welcome Party, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, with performances by Iyaman Pablo & Irie Reggae Vibes, Sotabosc, and Mountain Tops, among other selectors and sound systems. This extra day aims to enhance the festival's community atmosphere.
Beyond music, Rototom Sunsplash will offer an extensive cultural, social, and wellness program. The Social Forum, held at the Teatre Municipal de Benicàssim, will host free debates on contemporary issues such as the climate crisis, geopolitics, culture, and well-being, featuring speakers like Álvaro Pascual-Leone, Vandana Shiva, Francisco Vera, and Rokhaya Diallo.
The Reggae University will delve into the history and future of reggae culture, while Pachamama will offer workshops on agroecology, yoga, and natural therapies. The festival also maintains its family-friendly focus with Magicomundo for children and Teen Yard for teenagers, alongside Jamkunda, which connects the festival with African music and culture.
Environmentally, the festival will debut a hybrid system of solar panels and batteries to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Shaded areas will be reinforced, along with measures for plastic reduction, recycling, and efficient water use. The gastronomic offerings will include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
