As luck would have it, Victoria's 20th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival falls right around this years Summer Solstice. And what goes better with a long, sunny day than reggae music? As we prepared celebrate our 20th year of bringing the best global riddims to the Massive, we thought back to some of the most legendary Ska & Reggae Fest shows, the ones that really left an impression – and we couldn't think of anyone who made a splash like KY-MANI MARLEY did in 2011. Playing to a capacity crowd of over 1200 people (With dozens more being denied entry), Marley gave an unforgettable and exhilarating performance, radiating the true joy associated his family name. one foot planted in the reggae traditions that his father helped build and another foot planted in the sounds of reggae musics future. Carrying the torch of the royal family of reggae music, Ky-Mani has been releasing world-class reggae for more than two decades, low-key becoming one of the most prolific and consistent members of the ever-expanding Marley family tree. On top of his own work, Ky-Mani has created global hits with other modern reggae heavyweights like Proteje and Gentleman. A link to reggae's past and a leader of reggae's present, Ky-Mani Marley's return to Victoria, under the sun, bringing in the Summer Solstice is going to be something really special for music lovers of all kinds.
We are also proud to welcome SISTER NANCY to Victoria's Annual Ska & Reggae Festival for the first time!
Sister Nancy is a living legend and one of the most influential female performers in the history of reggae music. She is known to the world as the first dancehall DJ and singer. As the younger sister of underground legend Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy is someone that shaped her own life from an early age and learned to survive on her own.
Over the years Sister Nancy has maintained her own career but music will continue to be her passion. We are extremely lucky to have her at the festival as she does not tour regularly.
Getting things kicked off for our Friday night reggae part is are returning Mexican reggae-rockers Mamá Pulpa. Legend has it that their incredible band was forged in the fires of a collective alien abduction that implanted them with extraterrestrial musical knowledge that has led them to be one of the globes most secretly powerful and creative bands. And they return to bestow their intergalactic reggae wisdom to the Massive once again!
Finally HANDSOME TIGER will be providing the best in reggae, drum n' bass and world during interludes throughout the evening!
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