2. Rototom Sunsplash (Benicassim, Spain, August 16-23)
The family-oriented Rototom Sunplash turns 21 this year, its fifth since relocating from Italy to Benicassim, Spain. Performances are just one element of the multi-faceted cultural event, which hosts percussion classes, photo exhibitions, seminars, debates and film screenings, among other community-building events. Going off the roster of performances: Jimmy Cliff, Chronixx, Busy Signal, Romain Virgo, Kabaka Pyramid, Cornell Campbell, Beenie Man, Collie Buddz (with New Kingston), Sean Paul, Luciano, Easy Star All Stars, Wailing Souls, Jah 9, Midnite, the Gladiators (featuring Droop Lion) and Inner Circle and Lauryn Hill. On the sounds end of things there’s Bass Odyssey, Jah Youth, Blackboard Jungle, Gladdy Wax, King Addies Int’l, Earl Gateshead, David Rodigan and even our crew Safari Sound. Awoah. This one’s going to be huge.