Alborosie
Alborosie, whose real name is Alberto d’Ascola, is a true reggae pioneer from Italy. Born in Sicily, he has felt a deep passion for reggae and Jamaica since he was a teenager.
In 2001, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean to make his dream come true by moving to Jamaica, plunging into the heart of the roots of reggae and Rastafari culture.
After more than 20 years on the island, this Rasta with impressive dreadlocks has become an icon, loved both in Jamaica and around the world, alongside the likes of Ky-Mani Marley, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Etana and Morgan Heritage, to name a few.
With a discography that includes cult albums such as ‘Soul Pirate’ and chart-topping hits such as ‘Kingston Town’ and ‘Herbalist’ that have resonated for generations, Alborosie has become one of the most listened-to international voices in reggae.
He has collaborated with contemporaries such as Ky-Mani Marley, Joe Mersa Marley, Collie Buddz, Roots Radics, The Wailers United, King Jammy and many other renowned artists.
But it’s on stage that the magic really happens. Accompanied by the Shengen Clan, Alborosie electrifies the audience with a series of hit songs, including the legendary ‘The Unforgiven’.
From Sicily to Kingston, Alborosie, the Italian ambassador of Jamaican reggae, has firmly established his place as one of Jamaica’s reggae legends.
Dagger Killa
Dagger Killa is undeniably a living legend in the realm of Mauritian music. His name resonates as a symbol of passion, creativity, and, most notably, longevity. His artistic journey is a testament to unwavering determination and relentless perseverance.
When he graces the stage, a profound transformation takes place. He becomes the embodiment of an intense passion for music, emanating a raw and electrifying energy that comes to life in front of the audience. When he performs timeless classics like “Vitamin M,” “Masinn Fer Danser,” or “Jahgann” live, he morphs into a musical powerhouse, electrifying the entire atmosphere.
Dagger Killa personifies authenticity through his music, serving as a shining example of resilience. His name is destined to be forever etched in the musical annals of Mauritius, serving as an iconic inspiration for future generations.
Pascal Opera & The Roots Level Band
Pascal Opera, the driving force behind The Roots Level Band, serves as both the virtuoso guitarist and the skilled sound engineer at the helm of their musical endeavours.
He embodies a unique voice and style, characterized by the fusion of seggae and reggae, which are imbued with purity and authenticity. It is, in large part, thanks to Pascal Opera’s contributions that Jonas & The Roots Level Band have become a household name.
The band captured the hearts of listeners with their debut album, “Stay Livin,” a musical masterpiece that ignited intense emotions and touched the core of the soul.
Since then, the band has experienced a meteoric ascent, casting a radiant light upon the music scene with their contagious energy.
Under Pascal Opera’s guidance, each musical note resonates as a pledge to embark on an unforgettable musical odyssey. Allow yourself to be transported by the enchantment of The Roots Level Band, where music transcends into a transformative experience.
Sayaa
Sayaa, whose birth name is Sarah Leboeuf, shines as a prominent figure in the Mauritian music scene, radiating like a brilliant star. She has garnered an outstanding reputation for her remarkable ability to craft original compositions and reinterpret reggae and seggae classics.
What sets Sayaa apart is her distinctive approach to music creation. Each of her songs is a masterpiece in its own right, deftly blending the rich traditions of seggae and reggae with a contemporary twist.
Among her extensive repertoire, tracks like “Sant pour la mizer” and “Ask dem” have evolved into veritable anthems, showcasing her impressive skills as both a lyricist and composer.
Sayaa has made a significant impact on social media and various streaming platforms, establishing herself as one of Mauritius’ most cherished female artists. Her musical style, which seamlessly fuses tradition with modernity, coupled with her unique vocal prowess, secures her a special place of distinction within the Mauritian music industry.
KT GORIQUE
KT GORIQUE, an artist of Ivorian and Italian origin, moved to Switzerland at the age of 11. This extraordinary artist was born in Abidjan, where she was first influenced by a variety of music, ranging from African tradition to reggae, soul, blues and RnB.
Her initial passion for dance quickly turned into a discovery of hip hop culture when she moved to Switzerland in 2002, due to the political unrest in Côte d’Ivoire. At the age of 8, she discovered the art of writing rhymes at school, developing an innate talent for wordplay.
In Switzerland, she immersed herself in Hip Hop dance, exploring various styles such as smurf, popping, new style and krump, before making her rap debut in 2012. At just 21, she became End Of the Weak world champion, the first woman from Switzerland and the youngest to do so. This marked the start of an impressive career, including the release of her debut album ‘Tentative de Survie’ in 2016 and a starring role in the French film ‘Brooklyn’. She has also dazzled stages around the world with her performances.
From the Swiss Music Award she won in 2019 to her reputation as a multi-talented ” Couteau-Suisse “, KT GORIQUE continues to impress the world with her music and art. KT Gorique is among the personalities who have left an indelible mark on this first season of New School on Netflix. Thanks to her unique style and singular universe, she stood out among the candidates who revealed their talent.
Ras Ricky
Ricky Jules Sultan, known as Ras Ricky, hails from Diego Garcia, an island in the Seychelles, where he grew up admiring Creole culture and drawing inspiration from local artists such as Joseph Louise, Patrick Victor and Hudson Dorothe.
From an early age, he showed an interest in arts by taking part in school plays, marking the beginning of his life in the spotlight.
Ras Ricky has released an album entitled “Mascareigne,” which pays tribute to all the island states of the Indian Ocean. The album reflects the energy and vitality of the island people, featuring collaborations with other artists from the region.
Maylan Manaza
Maylan Manaza is an artist originally from La Réunion who established his musical career in France in 1994. He began his musical adventure in 1992, performing in Creole cabarets and taking part in various radio competitions.
It was in Bordeaux, in 1999, that he plunged into the world of Reggae and Dancehall, discovering Sounds Systems with BACK in ROOTS. His versatility enabled him to fuse his reggae, dancehall and hip-hop influences, giving birth to a musical style all his own. His punchy, rhythmic and effective flow blends perfectly with melodies infused with soul and RnB. The uniqueness of his voice makes Maylan an outstanding DJ.
He explores a diverse range of themes inspired by his daily life, scrutinising current affairs, deconstructing social issues, sharing his vision of music, his ambitions, and of course, his love for women. Her reputation has been firmly established in the hearts of audiences through numerous performances. His inexhaustible enthusiasm and natural charm make him an expert on the music scene.
He has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Ras Shiloh, Tanya Stephens, Sista Carol, Chico, Lord Kossity, Disiz La Peste and Daddy Mory, to name a few. He also contributed to some notable musical projects in 2003, such as the ganja riddim track ‘La Leçon’ produced by RK prod, and in 2007 his Street Album under the HWK Muzik banner, featuring notable collaborations with Papa Tank and Lyricson, left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Ti Ras
Ti Ras, from Agalega, is much more than just an artist. He is a fervent activist who speaks out on behalf of his people. His participation in this festival is a first for Agalega and opens a new door to cultural diversity.
With his poignant lyrics, Ti Ras has the power to sweep you up in a whirlwind of emotions, to make you feel the passion and determination that fuels him as he fights for the rights of his people.
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