| Artists (English) |
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Saturday 19.30 - 20.45 Luciano and the IrieVibrations band. - Mainstage
Saturday 23.25 - 00.25 Linton Kwesi Johnson & Dennis Bovell Dub Band - Mainstage
Saturday 21.15 - 22.45 Morgan Heritage’s Peetah & Gramps - Mainstage
Saturday 00.55 - 02.10 Big Youth mix By Mad Prof feat. the Upsetters - Mainstage
Saturday 17.30 - 19.00 Etana Chezidek & Dub Akom Band - Mainstage
Saturday 16.00 - 17.00 Iqualah & Giddeon Family - Mainstage
Saturday 14.35 - 15.20 Mooninvaders - Mainstage
Saturday 13.15 - 13.55 Dub a la Pub - Mainstage
Friday - 23. 45 – 00.30 Assassin - Dancehall
Friday - 23.00 – 23.45 General Degree - Dancehall
Friday 21.15 -22.45 Gappy Ranks & Romain Virgo & The 21st Century Band
Saturday 22.00 – 00.30 Saxon Sound Studio feat. Papa Levi - Dancehall
Saturday 00.30 – 02.00 Late night with Pressure”Buss Pipe”, Protoje & Don Corleon –Dancehall
Friday - 21.30- 00.00 Blackboardjungle feat. Ranking Joe & Jah marnyah – 18 inch corner
London based singer/dj Tippa Irie had his first single in 1986 with ‘Hello Darling’. Before that he already gained lots of experience as an MC on London’s ‘Saxon Sound’. In 2003 he did an appearance on The Black Eyed Peas’ hit single ‘Hey Mama’. In 2010 Tippa released his latest cd, ‘Stick To My Roots’. At Reggae Geel, Dubmatix and Tippa Irie will be accompanied by a live horn sections.
Saturday - 19.00 - 00.55 Dubmatix featuring Tippa Irie – 18 inch corner
Shanti D is without doubt the man in the Parisian underground and dub scene, a roots singer combining 70’s roots with early 80’s dancehall. He is often compared to his colleague Kenny Knots. Alongside producer Jr Cony he released some well received cd’s. Shanti D performed on several dub sound systems and did combinations with U-Brown and U-Roy.
Saturday – non-stop – Festival area
Saturday 15.20 – 16.00 David Katz interviews Big Youth (o.v.) – 19.00 -19.30 David Katz interviews Clive Chin – Skaville Circus
Saturday - 13.55 - 14.35 & 17.00 – 17.30 Yasus Afari – Skaville Circus |
Jephter McClymont was raised along his 8 brothers and sisters in a very musical and spiritual environment. As many of Jamaican artists, he put his first musical steps in the choir of the Adventist Church. Aged 11, Luciano’s father died, leaving him with nothing more than a guitar. In honor of his father he learned to play it. Luciano grew up in a very religious environment, so it’s of no wonder that he musically always rejected the tendencies of slackness and violence that reigned in dancehall and reggae lyrics in the 90’s. After the death of his mentor Garnett Silk in 1994, Luciano became Jamaica’s big hope for conscious roots reggae. In contrast to his fellow artists, who lyrically used slackness and violence to find their way into the charts, Luciano spread a positive message, often based on the Bible. Hence his nickname ‘The Messenjah’. His latest album ‘Rub-A-Dub-Market’ is yet again a statement against the loss of Jamaican roots in favor of digital dancehall productions. On handmade and live recorded riddims, Luciano’s cocktail of roots reggae, dub and nyabinghi blends in perfectly with his conscious message. Combine this with his strong live reputation and you know that Luciano will, once again, deliver a great musical performance! 
Linton Kwesi Johnson (aka LKJ) is without question the godfather of dub poetry. ‘Dread, Beat & Blood’, ‘Forces of Victory’, ‘Bass Culture’ and ‘LKJ in Dub’ remain essential albums that sold over 2 million copies worldwide. LKJ emigrated with his mother from Chapleton, Jamaica to London when he was 11. London was a harsh place at that time: economic crisis, a hard right wing government, racism and racial conflicts were the order of the day. Anything changed, by the way? LKJ joined the ‘Black Panther’ movement and found solace in writing the most militant poetry. Under the name ‘Poet & The Roots’ he released his first work ‘Dread, Beat and Blood’, mixing his Jamaican Patois with heavy dub rhythms. LKJ’s poetry always reflected the hard way black people had to stand up against oppression. In ‘War (all we do is defending)’ he defends the rebellious Caribbean immigrants. ‘Sonny’s Lettah’ is the hard story of a victim of the notorious ‘Sus-laws’ and ‘Inglan’ is a Bitch’ remains a brilliant sarcastic view on his new homeland. Linton Kwesi Johnson, professor and rebel, as always ‘sharp dressed’ in his tree-piece suit and top-hat. Of course we can’t forget LKJ’s musical partner in crime: Dennis Bovell, ex Matumbi, producer, mixer and bass player. For over 30 years already LKJ and the Dennis Bovell Dub Band have built up an artistic friendship that combines social poetry with musical excellence… 
If we talk about musical families we have to mention Denroy Morgan’s family. Not only was daddy Morgan a well-known artist, he also had lots of children that all found their musical way. LMS and Morgan Heritage are a family business, consisting of his children. Morgan Heritage was their most successful project producing tunes such as ‘She’s Sill Loving Me’, ‘Your Best Friend’, ‘Tell Me How Come’, ‘Liberation’ and ‘Don’t Haffi Dread’. After their debut album ‘Miracles’ in 1994, the Morgan family returned from the US to Jamaica. They started working with producers Bobby Dixon and Lloyd James, which resulted in the albums ‘Protect Us Jah’ in 1997, ‘One Calling’ in 1998 and the spiritual album ‘Don’t Haffi Dread’ in 1999. More great albums would follow until Lukes, Peetah and Gramps Morgan decided a few years ago to launch their solo careers. Gramps Morgan had immediate success with his debut album and Peetah also is well respected as a solo-artist. As both are often asked to perform by the same promotors they decided to tour together. Their European Tour in 2010 was regarded as very successful..
Manley Augustus Buchanan, aka Big Youth, is a legendary 70’s artist. Influenced by U-Roy he started his career as toaster/dj as an MC on Lord Tippertone’s Sound System. His debut ‘Screaming Target’ was an instant success and became a classic album in Jamaican music. In that period Big Youth was BIG with 7 singles in the charts, 4 of them staying in the top 20 for a whole year. Did you know that American band Sonic Youth got their name in honor of Big Youth? Big Youth’s concert on Reggae Geel will be mixed by the great Mad Professor. This year, Mad Professor celebrates his 30th anniversary in the music business. On his path he worked with virtually every artist in the reggae business such as Lee Scratch Perry, Jah Shaka, Johnny Clarke, Pato Banton, UB40 and Horace Andy. But his talents as a producer are also appreciated outside the reggae business, hence his work for The Orb, KLF, Jamiroquai, The Beastie Boys, Massive Attack and Killing Joke. On his Ariwa label, Mad Professor has released over 200 albums so far, but by his fans he will always be credited for his innovative dub albums. His ‘Dub Me Crazy’ series have reached a legendary status. 
Every now and then we get blessed with a strong, soulful and unique voice. Meet Etana! In no time Etana, translate as ‘The Strong One’, captured everyone’s heart with her songs in which she stands up against abuse and repression. Deep roots reggae flavoured with influences of soul, jazz and R&B. If asked who she musically looks up to she simply answers Bob Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Sizzla but also Whitney Houston, Lauren Hill and Jill Scott. Etana had her break-through when Richie Spice took her along on his world tour as a backing vocalist. As her performances caused such a buzz, the management of Spice and the 5th Element Crew encouraged her to record her own material which, in 2006, resulted in songs as ‘Time’ and ‘Wrong Address’. This last tune immediately made it to n° 1 in Jamaica. She confirmed this early success with more hit tunes: ‘Roots’, ‘Warrior Love’, ‘I Am Not Afraid’ and ‘Free’. Her debut album ‘The Strong One’ was an instant hit and won several awards. Most important though, Etana has a great reputation as a live artist. 
Chezidek, born Desbert Johnson, originates from Saint Anns Bay, the same village that gave us Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley and Burning Spear. Holy ground, so to speak. Strongly influenced by these legends Chezidek equally spreads ‘the message of life’ through his music. No matter what the conditions are, he always brings the same positive message: love, justice and equality for all humanity. He started his musical career by performing on local school concerts and on sound systems under the name of ‘Chilla Rinch’. After changing his name into Chezidek he moved to Kingston where he was noticed by producer Phillip ‘Fattis’ Burell. In 2002, he recorded the album ‘Harvest Time’ on Fattis’ Xterminator label, which produced fine tunes such as ‘Can’t Hear Must Feel’, ‘Breakfree’ and ‘Harvest Time’. Chezidek confirmed to be one of the best singer-songwriters of his generation with 7 more great albums. His latest album ‘Judgment Time’ is one of the bestselling reggae albums in Europe. 
Iqulah stands for: Integrity, Quality, Unity & Love for Africa as a Home. Rasta’s ambassador, always on a mission to spread his message all over the globe. He was the first reggae artist to perform in Russia. On Maskal Square, in the promised land of Ethiopia he performed before a crowd of 80,000. Touring the world turned him into a charismatic performer, soon to be enjoyed by the Belgian audience. Often referred to as ‘The High Priest of Reggae’, Iqulah released 3 albums so far: ‘Rasta Philosophy’, ‘The Mission’ and ‘Rastafari 4 eva’, all self-written albums spreading the traditional reggae message. He has projects running in St-Anns Bay in Jamaica and in Shashamani, Ethiopia’s rasta settlement. Iqulah is the elected President of ‘Chapter 17’ of the ‘Ethiopian World Federation’. 
There is only one way to describe this party band: the Belgian Skatalites. At least that’s what legendary Jamaican artists such as Alton Ellis, Rico Rodriguez (trombone player with Joolz Holland and a Jamaican institute), Doreen Shaeffer (singer with the Skatalites) and Pat Kelly (King Tubby’s assistant and rocksteady artist) think about them. All these artist were convinced by their skills and asked Moon Invaders to back them during their European tour. Moon Invaders released 3 albums so far, combining ska madness with jazzy flavours. In 2009 they played and recorded 2 concerts in the AB club in Brussels for a live cd.
German band Dub à la Pub are the winners of the ‘Rototom Reggae Contest – Europe’. At the finals, recently held in Barcelona’s Razzmatazz club, they convinced a European jury with delegates from all big European reggae festivals such as Summerjam, Rototom Sunsplash, Reggae Sun Ska and of course Reggae Geel with their mix of roots-reggae, dub and ska. For the last 4 years they have been performing in Germany along fellow Germans Sebastian Sturm, Jamaram and Jahcoustix and they won the Soulfire Contest. Rich musical arrangements, deep lyrics and a complete horn section. The perfect combination to reach early and witness them opening our Mainstage. 
According to Sean Paul Assassin will be the next big thing to bring dancehall to a higher level, following in his own steps and those of Beenie Man. Assassin combines the energy of Elephant Man, the flow of Capleton and the roughness of Buju Banton. Strictly old-skool dancehall without compromises towards Hip Hop or R’n’B. Assassin, aka Agent Sasco, comes with a message, passionate and to the point. For those of you who know the rules of dancehall: he crushes the competition with precision… ‘Gully Sitting, Idiot thing’… 
General Degree is dancehall culture at his best. He has been on top of the dancehall scene for nearly 20 years, combining all the right ingredients to rule the dance: humor, cutting edge lyrics, delivery, alert social observer and of course attitude. Often referred to as a ‘lyricist’, working on the lyrics before spreading the word, he immediately gained success with his first release. ‘Granny’, in which he imitates the constant remarks of his grandmother stayed in the Jamaican charts for months and was a big tune in clubs all over the island. Want more hit tunes? What about: ‘The Pianist’, ‘Traffic Blocking’ and ‘Boom Boom’. 
‘‘Young, Gifted and Black’. Fits perfectly when referred to Romain Virgo. In 2007 Romain was widely noticed by the Jamaican people when he was the youngest winner ever of the ‘Digicel Rising Stars Talent Contest’. Only 17 years of age, he convinced jury and audience with his singing capacities. Since then his career boosted with hit tunes such as ‘Cyaan Sleep’, ‘Love Doctor’, ‘Wanna Go Home’ and ‘Taking You Home’. Fully aware of his talents but eager to learn more Virgo continued studying and got a Bachelor in Podium Arts at the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, where he completed his studies with a major in singing and keyboard. Over the recent years Romain Virgo was invited to perform at Tony Rebel’s prestigious ‘Rebel Salute’ in 2009 and legendary dancehall parties such as ‘Passa Passa’ in Tivoli Gardens and ‘Weddy Weddy’ at Stone Love’s headquarters in Kingston. 
Jacob Lee Williams aka Gappy Ranks is a Jamaican with Dominican roots who currently resides in the UK. Born a fighter Gappy overcame extreme poverty and a homeless existence by standing up to his problems and having faith in his musical capacities. Eventually he was picked up by Robbo Ranx who programmed Gappy’s music in his show on the BBC radio. Gappy’s tune ‘Heaven In Your Eyes’ made it to the ‘A-list’ on BBC 1 Xtra. This early success was confirmed by following tunes such as ‘Stinkin Rich’ and ‘What We Do Is’. In August 2010 Greensleeves released his debut album ‘Put The Stereo On’. In that same year Gappy Ranks was nominated for the MOBO Awards in the category ‘Best Reggae Act’.
Saxon sound will be accompanied by Papa Levi, the first British Jamaican to enter the Jamaican charts. Backed by Sly & Robbie his tune ‘Mi God, Mi King’, a reflection on racial violence in Birmingham’s Handsworth, stayed in the Jamaican charts for weeks. Levi signed a deal with Island Records and, in his typical fast style, also delivered big tunes for the Mad Professor. A blast from the past!.
A late nite show met Protoje, Pressure en Don Corleon. The Virgin Island have been delivering lots of great reggae artists these recent years. In 2006 it was Pressure Bus Pipe aka Pressure that surprised us all. A musical youth that learned to play the trumpet at age 9 and developed his singing talents along the ‘Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra’. Blessed with a smooth voice and a bag of great songs he tried his luck in Jamaica and succeeded immediately with hit tunes such as ‘Live and Affection’ and ‘Ghetto Life’.
Protoje is a fresh new talent with an interesting view on music: ‘Free the people with art’! Great to see is that the man does it in his own style, not in the least interested in easy success by simply voicing over well-known hit rhythms. In his own tempo, but eager to succeed he delivered us a great debut album: ‘The Seven Year Itch’, in which he combines modern roots reggae with an ‘old days feel’. Protoje wished he was born in the ‘60s… bad luck for him, great for us!
Don Corleon, King Midas of modern dancehall and producer of both Pressure and Protoje will join them on stage. The Don is responsible for a never ending list of hit tunes: Elephant Man’s ‘Pon di River, Pon di Bank’ or Jah Cure’s ‘Longin’ For’ to name a few. He produced Sizzla, Sean Paul, Gentleman and did great work for Rihanna. A must-see moment for all dancehall lovers!
Ranking Joe is one of the generals to take over the work of the legendary U-Roy. U-Roy, once his boss, as Ranking Joe was the best known mc on U-Roy’s Sturgav sound system. Ranking Joe keeps the ‘70s toasting style alive ‘inna Bang Didilly’ fashion. Joe’s ‘Arlene’ is a dancehall anthem. Steve Barrow, boss of the renowned re-issue label Blood & Fire (financed by Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall) is a big fan of Ranking Joe and both toured the world on Barrow’s Blood & Fire Sound System.
In 1997, after volcanic disaster struck in his beloved Plymouth, Monserrat Jah Marnyah moved to the UK. Already engaged in the local rasta community and musically developed by singing in his school’s Steel Pan Band he soon established himself as one of the most beloved reggae sing-jays and songwriters in recent years. Inspired by reggae warriors Richie Spice, Luciano, Jah Mason and Jah Cure he started performing with the Basque Dub Foundation and Duppy Conquerors. ‘Anointed One’, ‘Fuss & Fight’ and ‘I Try’ were successfully released on the Scoops label, but in recent years he fully developed himself as a live artist. Conscious lyrics, a unique style and blessed with a divine voice he perfectly changes from singing to dj’ing. Big future ahead! 
Like Jah Marnyah Kenny Knots was also born on the Caribbean island of Monserrat. He too moved to England where he started his musical career as a crew member with the legendary Unity Sounds. Only 16 years old he reached the charts with his ‘Watch How The People Dancing’ song (recently reissued on Damon Albarn’s Honest Jons label). It is virtually impossible to name all of Kenny’s releases, cause the man produces at a thundering speed. He has worked with nearly every big European dub sound and is often seen alongside London’s Bush Chemists. On several occasions Kenny was rewarded the title ‘best dub singer in Europe’. Recently Kenny Knots started his own label: ‘Zeal Music’.
They’re here for the love of music: Skamanians. They live in the South of France, where music is combined with an everlasting urge for the ‘good life’. And they’re here to write some history: they will be the first marching band at the Reggae Geel festival. No need for a contrabass, they have something else: the sousaphone. If they stick together, the 9 boys and girls play ska. Somewhere on the festival ground they… march, you know. Get out and find them! 
Journalist and reggae encyclopedia David Katz returns to Reggae Geel to interview some of our artists. In our Skaville Circus he will be talking to Clive Chin and Big Youth. As a journalist David wrote ‘People’s Funny Boy’, without doubt the definite biography on Lee Perry, for once not focusing on Perry’s madness but on his hard work in the studio. He has also been collaborating on numerous books, magazines, television shows and other publications on reggae showing a great love and devotion for our beloved music. Every month he organizes the ‘Dub Me Always’ events in London where he spins the best reggae tunes.
With Linton Kwesi Johnson we already have the ‘godfather’ of dub poetry on our Mainstage but there’s always room for more. Since the beginning of our Skaville Circus we have been programming dub poetry on this stage and this year we are happy to present Yasus Afari, school friend and musical partner of the regretted Garnett Silk. Afari ‘s ‘fight the enemy with their own weapons’ is reflected in the way he criticizes dancehall’s dark side by declaring his sharp lyrics over those same popular dancehall rhythms. Throughout the years he developed his own special style, although very inspired by that other great Jamaican poet, Mutabaruka. Afari toured the world alongside reggae legends such as Black Uhuru, Tony rebel and Freddie McGregor, but is also known for his ‘spoken word’ performances and teachings at universities. He even became a resident-poet at Birmingham’s university, where he also published ‘Overstanding Rastafari’, a clear analysis on modern day Rasta. Could be helpful.