The initial line-up at Goa Sunsplash 2020 has been announced. Boom!
Let me tell you about some of the artists that will perform. There are some big names from the UK! Headlining is Macka B, who long ran the UK dub, dancehall, and reggae scene. He is known for his work with Mad Professor, Capleton, and others—still he keeps pushing the boundaries by singing about new themes (veganism, anti-racism in football) and visiting new countries to spread Jamaican music, all while maintaining a vintage toasting style, often imitated never duplicated. Earl Gateshead also returns to nice up the Goa Sunsplash party and renew his connection to the Indian scene. These performers are sure to put on an amazing show.
From France comes some heavyweight names. Naâman returns to Goa as promised, after another set of big shows around the world. OBF sound system has been putting out quality music for a long time and they come to Goa with singer Charlie P. From California comes Jah Sun, one of biggest reggae names out of the Pacific West Coast, along with his band the Rising Tide. From South Africa comes LNT Sound, featuring Larry T and ThuliThulz. From Johannesburg, they are responsible for spreading Jamaican music across Southern Africa, and also across the Arabian Sea to India. Proof that Goa Sunsplash features a global line-up, with heavy performance after heavy performance.
What about the representatives from India? Goa Sunsplash showcases Indian artists and sound systems by bringing together some of the most innovative, dedicated independent musicians. Check out Bombay Bassment, the legendary crew from Mumbai that has putting on dub, bass, and reggae events—electronic music with an Afro-Jamaican twist—long before the rest! Check out Goa’s own 10,000 Lions Sound System, who always puts on a low-end heavy live experience. Check out New Delhi-based innovative singers Bawari Basanti and Su Real, who will take you on journeys through hip-hop, classical Indian music, and dub as they mesmerize you. From Shillong in the Northeast, check out Small Axe Sound, as they bring the reggae vibes from the land of some of the best music audiences. Check out Dakta Dub, the Hyderabad legend, along with the Monkey Radio crew, once again a long-awaited act at Goa Sunsplash.
There’s more! Check the video of the line-up above. And this is just the first announcement of artists—there are many more DJs, singers, bands, sound systems, and artists yet to come.
It’s the biggest reggae party in Asia. Whose performance in Goa are you most excited for?
