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Reggae Geel Announces First Names for 40th Anniversary 2018

04/18/2018 by Press Release

40 Years! 40 Ans! 40 Años! 40 Jahre!

That's right, Reggae Geel is celebrating its 40th edition this year! Congratulations to all of you, none of this would have been possible without a loyal audience. Later on, we'll be giving out some real treats but first we would like to present our birthday cake. And if we do say so ourselves, it's a cake with quite a few cherries on top.

Once again Reggae Geel offers you a fine combo of world stars, up-and-coming talent and fodder for connoisseurs, the best from Jamaica and abroad, and exoticism from Belgium. All of this is spread across 5 stages on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 August 2018.

On Friday night we raise the roof for the first time with SHABBA RANKS! Shabba is without a doubt the most popular dancehall artist of his generation and his Mr. Loverman is inextricably linked with the soundtrack of the 90s. Shabba is hot, Shabba is raw, Shabba is pure Jamaica. Dancehall at its best!

HAVANA MEETS KINGSTON brings the best artists of two of the world's most musical islands together. Already a legendary project, led by Australian producer Mista Savona, it promises a sound clash of the highest level that effortlessly builds bridges between reggae, dub and dancehall on the one hand and son, salsa and rumba on the other.

Once upon a time he broke through as the winner of 'Jamaican Idol', now he is one of Jamaica's shining stars: ROMAIN VIRGO. Cream of the crop Lovers Rock. The purest delight.

Saturday also sees a few living legends on stage. How do you feel about Taxi Gang with Sly & Robbie feat. Bitty McLean & Johnny Osbourne? Sly & Robbie are responsible for about half of all reggae productions, collaborating with artists such as Mick Jagger, Serge Gainsbourg, Grace Jones and Bob Dylan. They are therefore justifiably the most famous Rhythm Section ever. At Reggae Geel they are paired with Bitty McLean, of number 1 hit It keeps rainin’, and Johnny Osbourne, former lead singer of Ishan People and spiritual father of stunning albums like Folly Ranking and Thruths and Rights.

ANTHONY B is a familiar face. We first had him at Reggae Geel in 1997, and it was also his first show on the European continent. Anthony B has since become one of the world's most appreciated reggae artists. He will be bringing young Jamaican talent Zamunda along to provide the necessary warm-up as Anthony B is well known for his exceptionally energetic shows.

COCOA TEA's voice sounds like his name: hot and sweet. However, the message he brings isn't always as syrupy. He found himself banned for his own production No Blood For Oil - a strident accusation at the time of the first gulf war. In 2008 he put himself in the limelight with an ode to Barack Obama, supporting his campaign as a presidential candidate. For a while he formed a supergroup with Shabba Ranks and Home T and he has a discography to fill an entire jukebox.

PROTOJE is undoubtedly a legend in the making. The protagonist of the roots revival and one of the hottest reggae artists of this day. His Kingston Be Wise is on ‘Grand Theft Auto V's’ soundtrack and his hit song Who Knows (feat. Chronixx) was meant breakthrough with the general public.

Also on the Main Stage: ETANA - leading lady of current reggae with a soulful voice,

SAMORY I - two years ago in The Yard, KABAKA PYRAMID - the Kingston multitalent with a unique style and new album "Kontraband" on the way. STONEBWOY the Ghanaian afrobeat king.

The 18” Corner is a bit living legends galore as well. Or what else should we call LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY? Scratch is assisted by Mad Professor who will bring out his very best productions for Perry to chant over in his famous irreverent style. Jah Shaka, King of Dub, has been at the top of the London Dub scene and sets the standard when it comes to dub sound systems. Both will be using Black Board Jungle's sound system on Saturday as they will be acting as hosts on Saturday. On Friday we put Jah Tubby’s World System to work all day. They will bring their own selection of chanters and MCs: Dixie Peach, Gregory Fabulous, Dougie Conscious Sounds & King Simeon.

The Yard is a treasure trove of shiny new gems as per usual.

Chainska Brassika, former winner of the World Reggae Contest, released their new album Harry J Business in November, recorded in the famous Harry J Studios in Kingston and produced by Grammy Award winner Stephen Stewart. Also Royal Sounds, one of London's most promising bands of the moment, and acoustic duo The PathHeights who bring a mix of vocal harmonies and dub poetry.

Temperatures will be boosted to tropical heights in the Bounce Dancehall by sound systems such as Italian Heavy Hammer, this year's soundclash winner, known for his endlessly deep dubplate box and his innovative approach to dancehall shows. Germany's pride Sentinel Sound, from Stuttgart, are world class as well and were one of the first European sound systems to win the World Clash. King Addies, selector & MC King Pin, is the final touch to this party.

The Skaville takes us back in time by a few decades with icon Pat Kelly & Magic Touch. He started out as a falsetto voice in vocal trio The Techniques in the late 60s. Shortly after he began a solo career and released gems like Little Boy Blue, How Long Will It Take as well as a cover of John Denver’s Sunshine. Reggae historian David Katz, author of Lee “Scratch” Perry’s biography ‘People Funny Boy’, will be sharing his bounteous record box with you in the Skaville, as will Ras ‘Sir Jessus’ Digby.

Reggae Geel is for music lovers of all ages and offers a complete overview of all things Jamaica on its 5 stages. Additionally there is a vast range of animation for children and at the reggae market you can find the most diverse selection of clothing, jewellery, records, musical instruments and art. There will be a lot of fringe entertainment: art, mobile sound systems and hilarious and/or educational acts.

This press release contains a big part of our lineup, but you may anticipate more impressive names from us soon. Definitely keep an eye on our website and our social media.

Reggae Geel takes place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 August 2018. Location: Malosewaver, Geel in Belgium