Annual high mass of ska, dub, roots, rocksteady and dancehall, the Reggae Geel festival is back

The summers have been freezing without Reggae Geel. No Jamaican soundsystems to go wild. No midday naps in the Belse Bossen hammocks. And especially no weekend with the pleasure of being together in the relaxed atmosphere typical of the festival. But the days of misery are behind us. Nearly 50,000 festival-goers can’t wait to take part in their annual two-day high mass of ska, dub, roots, rocksteady and dancehall. For the jubilee edition, the organizers have even added an extra evening: on August 4, the (free) preparty will start in the One Love Tent on the campsite. Long live Jamaica!

One Love

A huge birthday party deserves even bigger names. Reggae Geel has pulled out all the stops this year to make it a top-notch edition. Traditionally, the organizers bring the cream of Jamaica to Campine on one of their four stages: mainstage (live concerts), Bounce Dancehall (Dancehall), 18” Corner (Dub) and Tallawah.

Friday’s highlights are davidothe Nigerian-American super talent and his excellent afrobeat, and Christopher Martin and Romain Virgo, two Jamaican gods who will exceptionally occupy a European stage together. Also present: Luciano, representative of the “one love movement”, who with his roots music will bring the first message of unity in this catastrophic year 2022. Finally, will also answer the call Christopher Ellisthe son of the king of rock steady Alton Ellis, the rising star Mortimer and Dynamq “the rive nile crocodile”.

However, the hours will be counted down to Saturday, when Beres Hammond will turn the Main Stage into a big celebration of love. The icon, known for his fans rock, will not only bring good vibes, but also his full Harmony House Band. Warning: you will never see so many happy and happy faces in one place! But before we get to that, Officer Sasco will first give the best of itself. He’s collaborated with Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, but puts spirituality above fame. Artists confirmed as the hero of dancehall Kranium and roots reggae bands Misty In Roots and Morgan Heritage will already make the second day an unforgettable event. We will fall into the nostalgia of the nillies with Elephant Manco-responsible for Kat Deluna’s R&B hit “Whine Up.” Lila Ike, From Yani and Zhayna will be the new talents to see at the festival.

Against bitterness

In addition to its impressive line-up, the festival still has a few “surprises” in store for its jubilee. But it’s still top secret for now. New this year is that the festival becomes a completely cashless event. It therefore now follows in the footsteps of the majority of Belgian festivals and works with a top-up system via the festival wristband. And if you are a little tired of camping, you can also book a FestiTent or a Festipi in the campsite from this edition: no problem with tents and mattresses, but a festival tent ready to go. use. Handy after a night spent on the dub scene.

On Reggae Geel website one can read that the festival “wishes to counterbalance the souring of society and growing individualism”. And he’s been doing it with panache for 41 editions. Thanks also to its democratic prices, Reggae Geel is truly a solidarity festival for all. And it’s more than music: it’s also culture, entertainment on the sidelines and delicious world cuisine. Everything revolves around fairtrade and ecology. And the exceptional relaxed atmosphere? It is free and to be shared with everyone!