VIDEO: Three queens, one stage: Marcia Griffiths, Koffee and Spice shine at Rototom Sunsplash

Rototom Sunsplash, one of Europe’s most prominent international music festivals, has finalised the artistic line-up for its landmark 30th edition, which will fill Benicàssim with energy from 16 to 23 August. Nearly 200 performances will unfold across its seven stages under the uplifting theme Celebrating life. If there is one thing this major musical gathering is certain of, it’s that 2025 will be a year to celebrate – collectively – and the programme reflects this spirit.

The 2025 line-up showcases the festival’s ongoing commitment to a rich variety of styles that flow from – and converge around – Jamaican music over eight intense days. This diversity pulses not only on stage but also within the audience: an international, eclectic crowd as vibrant and global as the musical offering itself, with acts from the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Australia, China, the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

The latest announcement is led by a powerful trio of female artists who embody the festival’s open and inclusive ethos: Koffee, a young sensation blending contemporary reggae with dancehall, hip hop and R&B in a fresh, modern style; Spice, the undisputed queen of dancehall with lyrics rooted in female empowerment; and Marcia Griffiths, a true reggae icon and inspiration, each bringing the force of three generations of Jamaican artistry to the Rototom stage.

Almost twenty different genres will resound throughout this milestone edition: from reggae and dancehall to hip hop, dub, ska, jungle, raggatek, afrobeats, amapiano, cumbia, rumba, tropical sounds and, for the first time, reggae-metal. Expect alternative sounds where digital vibrations, reggae spirit and hip hop energy collide – from L’Entourloop’s vintage-inspired sound system style to the lyrical and stage power of Saïan Supa Celebration; Californian reggae-metal outfit Aurorawave and rock-reggae band Tribal Seeds; Abakush with their reggae fused with jazz and gospel; and the newly announced Kumbia Boruka, spearheading the ska, rumba and cumbia line-up, which also includes confirmed names such as ETS, Maruja Limón and La Yegros.

A festival for all ages

This musical diversity has become a hallmark of Rototom Sunsplash. Since its early days, the festival has welcomed people of all ages – including many families – drawn not only by the music but also by the extensive cultural programme that surrounds it. Artistically, it goes well beyond the reggae heartbeat at its core.

This rich and expansive programme pushes musical boundaries and proudly reaffirms the festival’s eclectic essence. “There really is something for everyone,” say the organisers, “which explains why people of all ages and from across the globe come to the festival every summer – ready to explore new sounds and experience something far greater than just music.”

On-stage tributes to Bob Marley for his 80th birthday

This 30th edition coincides with the 80th anniversary of reggae legend Bob Marley. His legacy will shine brighter than ever at the Benicàssim venue. The line-up honours the occasion by bringing his spirit to life on stage through his sons, Julian Marley and Ky-Mani Marley, who will be joined by Alborosie as a special guest – a new highlight for this year.

The presence of The Wailers – Marley’s original band – and Marcia Griffiths, a core member of the I Threes who sang backing vocals for Bob Marley & The Wailers, adds further depth to this tribute. Reggae University will also present a screening of the biopic Bob Marley: One Love during the festival, offering audiences a cinematic journey through the singer-songwriter’s life and legacy.

Another iconic Jamaican name celebrating the 30-year journey of Rototom Sunsplash is Ken Boothe, who will perform rocksteady and soul classics alongside Lloyd Parks & We The People Band – the same group supporting Marcia Griffiths on stage.

A rich, immersive sonic journey

This immersive musical experience will also feature Aswad, one of the UK’s most established reggae bands, who blend R&B and soul into their reggae sound; and Mortimer, a rising Jamaican star whose fusion of traditional roots reggae with contemporary rhythms creates a uniquely captivating soundscape.

Embracing this spirit of musical cross-pollination, the Spanish scene will be represented by Madrid-based Morodo with Okumé Lions, and by the viral project Pure Negga Reggae Cypher – known for its dynamic, rotating format that has racked up millions of views on YouTube. The Catalan artist will be joined on stage by special guests such as Fyahbwoy, Green Valley, Little Pepe, Chusterfield, King Magneto, Rick Rocket and King Reyes.

The festival’s iconic sound system areas also enrich the line-up: the Dancehall stage welcomes acts like Kybba and David Rodigan, while the Dub Academy will feature Sister Nancy, O.B.F.’s takeover set, and Mad Professor.

With this latest announcement, Rototom Sunsplash solidifies a powerful programme that also includes headliners like Shaggy, Burning Spear, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Tarrus Riley, Steel Pulse, Misty in Roots, Morgan Heritage and Third World – all part of the festival’s vibrant journey under the banner of Celebrating life.

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