Easy Star All-Stars ADD
Rototom Sunsplash 2025 Unveils 60 Artists for 30th Edition
03/18/2025 by Press Release
Shaggy, Burning Spear, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Tarrus Riley, Steel Pulse, Misty in Roots, The Wailers, Morgan Heritage, Third World, Ky-Mani Marley... Rototom Sunsplash kicks off the excitement for its 30th edition with a star-studded first reveal! Get ready for an unforgettable summer in Benicàssim (Castellón) from August 16 to 23, 2025.
Over 60 artists are set to light up the ‘Celebrating Life’ lineup, marking three decades of festival energy and good vibes. From the legends who inspired Rototom Sunsplash to the Artists that are shaping the reggae’s future, this edition brings a mix of icons and innovators. For eight epic days, the Benicàssim concert venue transforms into the perfect spot, whether you're vibing at the Main Stage, feeling the energy at the Lion Stage, diving into deep bass at the Dub Academy, moving at the DanceHall, or discovering new sounds at the Jamkunda Stage. This is how this celebration of life will sound like at Rototom Sunsplash 2025.
Shaggy, a two-time Grammy winner with eight nominations under his belt, is the perfect match for Rototom’s 30th anniversary as he celebrates 30 years of Boombastic, the track that propelled him to global fame. His rise to the top has been fueled by massive hits and legendary collabs, including his famous partnership with Sting on Just One Lifetime.
More anniversaries come together at this special edition. 2025 is a milestone year for Rototom Sunsplash and for Bob Marley, the enduring heart and soul of the festival’s community. On what would have been his 80th birthday, the festival proudly welcomes back the legendary Wailers. The Marley legacy shines even brighter as Ky-Mani Marley takes the stage to honor his father’s timeless music.
Few names are as deeply connected to Rototom Sunsplash as Burning Spear, one of the greatest representatives of mystical reggae. He has probably been the festival’s biggest inspiration, especially after his unforgettable 1993 show at the Gaio di Spilimbergo nightclub in Italy—the very place where the festival was born just a year later.
The strong roots vibe of the 2025 line-up, which embodies the spirit of peace, unity, and brotherhood at the heart of this ‘Celebrating Life’ edition, is personified by artists like Ivorian singer Tiken Jah Fakoly, one of the most influential, outspoken, and viral African voices. A powerful example of his impact is one of his most recent and moving performances, where he took the stage alongside a choir of 850 people to perform Plus rien ne m’étonne (‘Nothing surprises me anymore’), delivering a bold and unfiltered statement against the political and economic forces dividing African nations.
Misty in Roots holds a special place in the history of Rototom as its first ever international reggae show, brought on stage, back in February 1992. That moment helped spark a passion for reggae that still defines the festival today. A true cult band, fiercely independent and untouched by passing trends, the British collective continues to lead its ‘true to the roots’ style as it celebrates 50 years in music.
Another legendary UK reggae band, Steel Pulse, also marks its 50th anniversary and joins the line-up to deliver an electrifying set. Known for their hard-hitting, socially conscious lyrics and a stage show that breaks from traditional formats, on top of the scene from 5 decades, Steel Pulse are ready to bring another unforgettable performance to Benicàssim.
Cimarons, a pioneering band on the European reggae scene, completes this British trident. Formed in London in 1967 by Jamaican immigrants, they contributed to popularising and projecting Afro-Caribbean culture in Europe. They come to land in this 30th edition to present their new album, produced by the most respected Spanish producer on the international scene, Lone Ark (Roberto Sánchez), with a special show featuring Lone Ark himself and his four horn section.
The Meditations also bring their roots reggae essence to the line-up. This summer they will perform in Spain for the first time since the arrival of Rototom to its current location in Benicàssim in 2010.
With their eclectic mix of reggae, funk and soul, the Jamaican band Third World, led by Cat Coore, returns to the festival with their top quality musical show.
The show Dub Side Of The Moon (2003), with dub versions of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon, will be staged once again by the American musicians' collective Easy Star All-Stars on their only date in Spain.
The first artistic announcement for this 30th edition confirms, within the more contemporary style, consolidated names frem the reggae scene such as the Jamaican artist Tarrus Riley, who performs with his band, led by the saxophonist Dean Fraser; and Morgan Heritage will also take to the stage, now infused with fresh energy from the promising voice of young Jemere Morgan, who proudly carries forward the legacy of the Jamaican band.
The festival welcomes Rasta artist Taj Weekes (from the island of St. Lucia), who blends reggae’s uplifting messages with a deep commitment to social activism: his organisation's activism in helping children in the Caribbean has earned him the title of Unicef Champion for Children in his homeland. Another reggae artist with a positive message is Kumar Fyah, former vocalist of the band Raging Fyah and talented singer-songwriter, who will present his new live solo project.
The 30th edition coincides with the 15th anniversary of the arrival of Rototom Sunsplash to Spain, whose reggae scene is once again represented through a variety of styles. In addition to the Lone Ark show with Cimarons, the festival debuts the live project with band Chalart58 & The Soul Adventurers. This special premiere, led by Chalart58—producer for Manu Chao, Fermín Muguruza, and Amparanoia—will feature guest artists such as Roberto Sánchez, Matah, Sr. Wilson, Morgana Souljah, and UK singer Joe Yorke.
Lasai, a key figure of the spanish reggae and dancehall scene, joins forces with the American band Dukes of Roots for a one-of-a-kind show. The group features, among others, Congolese artist Mermans Mo Faya Mosengo from Playing for Change and Fully Fullwood, the legendary bassist of Peter Tosh.
Spanish roots reggae will be represented by the vocal trio Emeterians, celebrating 20 years of music. The incredible voices of Brother Wildman, Sister Maryjane and Maga Lion will be accompanied on stage by the Forward Ever Band and special guests. The commitment to the Spanish reggae scene is completed in this announcement with Mango Wood, a Madrid-based band whose sound is deeply inspired by late ‘60s Jamaican compositions.
This 30th edition of Rototom Sunsplash include the freshest Jamaican sounds and the latest trends of the reggae scene.
Vandal, co-founder of the British sound system Kaotik, confirms his presence at the festival with his distinctive raggatek, a fusion of hardcore, jungle and reggae in constant creative evolution. The same goes for the renowned French dancehall singer Big Red, ex-member of Raggasonic and creator of the vapor-dub style.
The 2025 line-up features Joe Yorke from the UK, an independent label owner whose extraordinary vocal style has been making waves in the reggae scene; versatile Jamaican artist Nadia McAnuff, performing alongside The Ligerians; and the female French duo Mystically.
For its 30th edition, Rototom Sunsplash continues to explore musical styles connected to reggae, such as hip-hop. This is the case with Chilean artist Ana Tijoux, one of the most influential voices in Latin American hip-hop. Her work blends hip-hop, folklore, reggae, and electronica with a strong commitment to social activism, addressing topics like feminism, inequality, and human rights. Also from Chile, Movimiento Original, is one of the most influential bands on the Spanish-speaking reggae and hip-hop scene, which has redefined urban music since its origins with a message of consciousness, love, and resistance.
Representing Spain, the group Maruja Limón explores rumba mixed with dembow, electronica, salsa and pop. While the ska-rock band E.T.S. (En Tol Sarmiento), a project that continues to grow its audience through its fusion of styles and high-energy performances, will bring its unique festive, heartfelt, and dance-fueled experience to the festival. A true celebration of life.
Cumbia returns to the festival, as in past editions, with French-based Argentinian artist La Yegros, also known as the queen of nu-cumbia.
One of the unique aspects of Rototom Sunsplash is the presence of its sound system areas, which enhance the festival experience integrating different cultures and aesthetics, beyond just musical styles.
The DanceHall stage is bringing the heat with Warrior Sound and Silly Walks from Germany, plus Spexdaboss from Canada, leading the charge. Joining them is a fully loaded lineup featuring Xyclone, Dunrich World Sound, Ayanna Heaven, Team Damp, Dj Pepa, Royal Marx Sound, KGS, Kings Crown, Lars Vegas, Kangaroots, Vibes Star, Dhamiano, Sicily Rebellious, Jamafrican Crew, Sicily Ribellious, GC Sound, Dancehall Madness Experience ft Docta Rythm selecta, Dj Luiz Dubs, Selecta Nesta and Iration Selecta.
The Dub Academy will once again be the ultimate gathering spot for sound system culture, welcoming Channel One, Matah, the full Moa Ambessa crew, Morgana Souljah, Roberto Sánchez ft. Benjammin & Ras Tweed, and Omega Nebula, and that is just a taste of what’s to come.
Jamkunda Stage consolidates itself as the space where you can connect with Afro-modern music, from Afrohouse to Afrobeat, Afrotrap, Afropop and Amapiano. A sonorous journey piloted by the main groups that are promoting these styles in the main cities of the country, and that will be the protagonists of each evening at Rototom, authentic immersive experiences around music. This summer, Jamkunda Stage has added the Spanish collectives Zsongo and AfroBrunch to its line-up, along with Oyofe Bissap Party and Follow the Party, as well as AfroSplash, AfroVice from Colombia and an afroset by Silly Walks from Germany.
