The British icon will follow the baton of the classical outfit to celebrate his 40 years as an ambassador of reggae together with special guests in the festival’s 25th edition
The line-up of the 2018 macro musical event already includes other exclusive shows like those of Ben Harper, Alborosie, Sly & Robbie and The Skatalites
As the most important reggae festival in Europe, Rototom Sunsplash has hosted many historic events. And this 2018 landmark event it doubles up the celebration. Two anniversaries to remember, one a 25th and the other a 40th, merge together in the one event. The 25th edition of the Rototom Sunsplash –August 16 to 22 in Benicàssim (Spain)-, continues to build its line-up and has invited British radio star and DJ David Rodigan to a tour to commemorate his four decades in reggae music. ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan will combine, on August 19, in this special show with the acclaimed Outlook Orchestra and its 25 musicians to present a singular performance, converted in a journey through 40 years of stories, anecdotes and sensations of Jamaican music.
The performance will include some of what Rodigan considers to best recordings of Reggae music with a nod to Ska, Rock Steady, Lovers Rock, Dancehall and the more contemporary electronic genres including Jungle and Dubstep. A show marked by the baton of a classical orchestra that provides a new twist in the prolific and eclectic career of Rodigan and will only play to the timeline of the famous DJ’s beloved music, of which he has been an ambassador for 40 years. The show will include guests of the legendary reggae star whose names will be revealed on stage.
David Rodigan in concert.
Thus, the Rototom audience will witness a performance rooted in the fusion of Jamaica’s soundtrack with the sounds, colours and influences of British sub-culture to honour the man who is a musical icon in the UK. A show to reward, enlighten and unite people of all origins and to demonstrate, by example, the binding power of Reggae –the musical genre of timeless appeal that knows no age or class- takes effect.
Ben Harper. Photo: Gavin Conaty.
Rodigan’s incorporation, joins a line-up for the Rototom Sunsplash’s 25th anniversary that already includes other exclusive shows, such as that offered by the Californian singer, guitarist and songwriter Ben Harper, who takes to the stage on Thursday August 16 with his band The Innocent Criminals in a show designed exclusively for Rototom Sunsplash, unprecedented in Europe for its reggae format. Also performing will be the Italian superstar residing in Jamaica, Alborosie, along with a stellar cast of international artists to celebrate the 25 year history on August 20. Not to be forgotten also are the performances of the producers Sly & Robbie and their Taxi Connection (August 17), with the iconic DJ King Yellowman -in his only date in Spain- with Johnny Osbourne and Bitty McLean on the mic; or the masters of Ska The Skatalites, who will high step in Benicàssim on August 18 with a unique show with their vocal partner Doreen Schaffer, the immortal Derrick Morgan and Jamaican trumpeter Vin Gordon. Without doubt it will be a 25th and 40th party to be remembered.
Sly & Robbie.
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