writen by Polona
I first visited the Rototom Sunsplash Festival in 2009, when it was still in Italy, in the small town of Ossopo. It was also their 16th and last edition in Italy, as they decided to exodus due to the political tightening and found refuge in the Spanish coastal town of Benicàssim in 2010. Thanks to the more tolerant Spanish politics, the festival is able to go on and Rototom has created an international family that this year, under the motto “the power of utopia”, had fun together under the hot Spanish sun. This family is made up of festival nomads, tourists, honeymooners, families on holiday, friends on reunions, solo travellers, vendors, volunteers, organizers and musicians from all over the world.
The festival this year was six days long, which is almost too short in my opinion, given that they have seven stages, plus daily parties on Rototom’s Solé beach, where you can lounge around or let the sound systems take over. In the Main Festival area, there are interesting lectures at the Reggae University, in-depth talks at the Rastafari House or the Social Forum, relaxation activities at Pachamama, various activities at the Teen Yard and activities for kids and kids at heart at the Discovery Lab. The Reggae Festival is almost impossible without dancehall workshops; there are also Afrobeat workshops. There is something for everyone.
“The power of Utopia”, the motto of this year’s 29th edition of Rototom, could be felt at every turn! Before I dive deeper into my 2-day festival experience, I would like to underline the meaning of the word “utopia”, which denotes an ideal society. The term utopia was coined from the Greek by the English author Sir Thomas More, who in his book of the same name in 1516, described an ideal society on the island of Utopia, where crime, violence and poverty are almost non-existent. And this year’s Rototom, in my eyes, embodied exactly that – an ideal society of individuals from different corners of the world, ready to dance and have fun under the blue sky!
According to their official website, this year more than 204,000 people from 113 countries came together over six days to prove that utopias can become reality, if only for a few days, and help build a more intercultural, tolerant and open society.
Musical Highlights
Every day the festival opens with the percussion group Madeira, who took us from the entrance to the main stage to the rhythms of their instruments. The atmosphere was crazy and the best moment for me was when I saw a family with a father in a wheelchair and a son lifting the father out of the wheelchair, holding him in his arms and dancing with him. I can say with certainty that the festival atmosphere brings out the best in us!
The first performer was Andrew Tosh, who paid tribute to reggae music and his late father Peter Tosh with his band Soul Syndicate. A real “back to the roots vibe”.
Immediately afterwards, I was whisked away to the Lion Stage, where Mo’Kalamity was performing. Live, she sounded like she did on the album, and the outfit was polished to the last detail. A true African Queen of Cape Verde roots.
Next on my list was the concert of Romain Virgo, a true Gentleman, and I have to admit that he and his band really created a wonderful atmosphere! Everyone on stage was having a great time, but the girls on backing vocals were really fiery and super in tune. A real eye-catcher! The future of reggae music is in good hands.
As the clock struck midnight, the highlight of my festival experience arrived – African reggae legend, the one and only Alpha Blondy. I’ve been waiting 13 years for his concert! He sang many of his hits, taught us about the importance of peace in the world, and shared a piece of Mama Africa with us. His mischievous performance brought us all together in a society that is happy here, and now – magical!
I would like to take this opportunity to share a big wish that came true this year. As a big fan of his music, I wanted to meet him in person, thank him for his music and have my picture taken with him. As there was no time to interview him at the festival, I could only hope to catch him somewhere. And when I arrived in Castellon on Friday, I stopped for a coffee next to the station and just then he arrived! Without thinking, I just got up, walked over and asked him for a picture. He was happy to oblige. A picture says a thousand words, luck was on my side that day.
Back to the festival action – with the last atoms of strength, I went to Lion Stage, where Dancehall President Skarra and Dub Akom had created a great party! D’n’b inputs woke us up, the time was suddenly 4am and time for a well-deserved rest. When I got home, I met the Jamaican flag bearers in the kitchen, whom I had met a few hours earlier under the stage when I was taking pictures and filming the performers. We became instant friends and shared a taxi the very next day. Girl power!
The second day served many musical treats and the first of them were our old friends Wicked Dub Division meets North East Ska Jazz Orchestra. A great warm-up, but the bonus was reuniting with old acquaintances from neighbouring Italy, and we finally got to dance together!
Soon after, I rushed back under the main stage where Marcus Gad from New Caledonia stunned the Saturday crowd with his meditative reggae fusion that travelled from the Pacific via Mauritius all the way to Europe! His music is meditation in motion.
Young Spanish band Iseo & Dodosound followed, warming us up nicely for Saturday night’s headliner – Dancehall seducer Busy Signal. He offered a very attractive performance, we all went crazy! He didn’t skimp on seducing the fairer gender, he sang all his greatest hits, and closed the main stage in style! A real dancehall treat.
Last on my list was Australia’s Natalli Rize. She attracted me a few years ago with her social activism, which also permeates her songs. The smell of pale santo in the air made the concert experience even more immersive. A perfect end to the second and, unfortunately for me, the last day of the festival.
Useful information
The whole festival is very well-organised, with transport available to all Rototom locations, and each major stage has a raised podium for disabled persons and children. Water can be refilled everywhere at a very low price; the culinary offer covers the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and local specialities. Every year, pizzas are prepared by Elfos Pizzeria, for me and many others, pizzas with soul! Their principle is that they cook what’s on the menu; and when it’s your turn, you take what’s available. I also introduced my new roommates to the divine festival pancakes – they are still as good as they remember from years ago.
Finally, here are the logistics for all of you who I have written to convince to attend the 30th anniversary of Rototom Sunsplash next year. The quickest way is to fly from Trieste to Valencia, then take the train to Benicassim (1h drive). Another option is to fly to Barcelona and then take the train to the festival, a journey of about 3 hours. Under 27s can also use the InterRail Youth Pass to visit more places at the same time. I flew to Valencia, explored the city for two days and took the train to Castellón de la Plana on Friday. This is a larger town 12 km away, where rooms are considerably cheaper. The brave and sturdy can still go to the campsite, but it is important to remember that it is not a shadow anywhere. The heat during the day was barely bearable, so sunglasses, a hat, sun cream, ear plugs and a water bottle are compulsory. Money can be loaded onto a wristband and all sorts of gadgets can be bought at the festival itself to give everyone a unique festival experience.
Worst case scenario, the festival has also been live-streaming on their YouTube channel and posting on social media all these years. And this way we can all join together and enjoy the daze of utopia, even if only for a short time.
Rototom, thank you for a great festival experience! I will definitely come back!
Thanks also to our editor Jure, who gave me the opportunity to travel to the other side of Europe on behalf of Reggae.si and share some great moments with the readers of the Slovenian reggae portal through words and pictures.
One love, Polona ❤️💛💚
