Reggae for Rototom

Astrong cast of veteran and contemporary acts have been named for the August 16-23 Rototom Sunsplash, which takes place in Benicassim, Spain. The eight-day event is the largest of the active European summer festivals.

It kicks off with reggae great Jimmy Cliff, mento band the Jolly Boys, and neo-roots singer Kabaka Pyramid. Headliners for the following day are, Beenie Man, Bermudan singer Collie Buddz and Romain Virgo.

The Gladiators, Alpha Blondy, Anthony B and Luciano, stalwarts of the European festival scene, are also on the Rototom card as well as Chronixx and Jah 9, leading players in the neo-soul movement. Grammy winners Inner Circle, Lauryn Hill, Sean Paul and Shaggy, and the Midnite band from St Croix, are also part of a diverse line-up.

First held in Gaio di Spilimbergo, Italy in 1991, the Rototom festival has become one of the leading reggae events. In addition to live performances, there are forums looking at the history of the music. Rototom Sunsplash has been held in Benicassim since