India’s largest celebration of reggae music and culture, Goa Sunsplash, has announced a bevy of names from all around the world, featuring crowd favourites like Dub FX, and up-and-coming talent. Founded by India’s long-standing reggae act, Reggae Rajahs, Goa Sunsplash made its debut on the festival circuit in 2016
No stranger to Indian fans, world renowned beatboxer Dub FX comes to Goa Sunsplash with new music and a raw vibe with true dub and reggae influences. Alongside him will be Earl Gateshead, an integral part of Britain’s sound system culture, and representative of the London reggae scene alongside previously announced Channel One Soundsystem. Also on the line-up is Tel-Aviv selector and Stamp the Wax editor, Zipporah, whose global stylings have earned her a loyal following around the world. Other exciting announcements include House of Riddim, an Austrian reggae band, who will be Anthony B’s backing band at the festival; Damalistik, a French dub and reggae producer who tirelessly pushes reggae and dancehall sounds around the world and Irish singer Cian Finn, who is by now a familiar face at Goa Sunsplash.
What will have fans most excited is the presence of two hand-built, Indian soundsystems at Goa Sunsplash. One of India’s most outspoken and recognised voices is that of Delhi Sultanate and Begum X, who will travel to Goa with their authentic, hand-built Jamaican style sound system, BFR Sound System, joining the 10,000 Lions soundsystem – making this one of the highlights at Goa Sunsplash.
Another interesting feature of the line-up curation is talent from all corners of the world – from France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Australia, US, and even Vietnam.
At the forefront of the reggae scene in their country and coming to Goa to give Indian attendees a taste of the global reggae culture will be Tomahawk (France), Asher Selector (Switzerland), Irie Dread (Zimbabwe) and Larry T & ThuliThulz (Zimbabwe & Botswana), Cultivation (Nepal), Saigon Dub Station (Vietnam), Miserable Man (France), Jungle Weed (France), Craig R. Ninjah (UK), Black Bird Hum (Australia), Earthpipe (UK), Cisco Kid (India), Olas Boss (UK), Masia One (Singapore), Strictly Blazin’ (US/Indonesia), NZ Selector (Russia), Papa Layan (Russia), Zema (Sweden), Astro Black (Australia), Arrival Sound System (UK), Blessed Love (Germany), Supa Mana (France) and Scars (France).
Other Indian arts announced for the fourth edition include India’s most popular hip-hop DJ and Goa resident, DJ Sa; Mumbai-based turntabilist DJ Uri and his protégé, Paper Queen; Goa-based reggae band, The Avadhutas; Goa-based dub enthusiast Sanyas-I; Selecta D2; Pune’s Yung Maddy; West African percussion group Boombay Djembe Foelas; Coven Code’s (New Delhi based all-female creative collective) Pia Collada and Kadambari & The Coffee Cats.
Acts previously announced include Jamaican reggae superstar, Anthony B, popular Jamaican radio jockey ZJ Liquid, Egoless, a multi-instrumentalist turned dub and dubstep London’s Kibir La Amlak Jamaican dancer Craig Black Eagle, Russia’s Steppa Style, Forelock & Arawak, one of the most promising voices of Italian reggae; Mumbai-based reggae and hip-hop outfit Bombay Bassment; one of the most vibrant sound systems in London, Reggae Roast will make a stop in Goa; Hyderabad-based DJ and radio presenter Dakta Dub; Goa-based French selector Rudy Roots and the festival’s own, 10,000 Lions Sound System will be represented by an international crew including Ninjahdread and Realoveution Hi-Fly.
It’s not just music that people have to look forward to. The emphasis for Goa Sunsplash this year is to be able to offer a holistic lifestyle and cultural experience that reflects the reggae ethos.
There will be a Jamaican dance workshop by Craig Black Eagle, an African dance workshop, dub yoga, capoeira, drum circles, sound healing, and discussions pertaining to sound system culture. For the first time, there will be also a specially curated Jamaican menu available in the afternoons.
The event will be held on January 12 and 13 at Riva Beach Resort, Mandrem.
About Goa Sunsplash
Goa Sunsplash is a two-day festival steeped in the ideals of reggae music – peace, love and unity. Situated on the sun-drenched beaches of Goa, India, the festival is focused on creating a holistic lifestyle experience through music, art, dance, wellness programs and social forums. Goa Sunsplash is committed to being a world-class destination festival that is rooted in sustainability and social awareness. Past headliners of the festival have included Mad Professor, Johnny Osbourne, Zion Train, General Levy, Naaman, Manudigital, Skarra Mucci and Cali P.
