With this years Rototom festival in Spain now just 4 months away, the confirmed line-up is starting to be being released and what better place to start than in Africa where the roots of reggae music begin. So first confirmed to appear is Alpha Blondy, the artist from the Ivory Coast who discovered Jamaican music through Bob Marley and Burning Spear, whilst taking a long stay in 1970s New York. When he returned, taking the reggae vibe back to its spiritual home with him, he proceeded to come up with hits such as 'Cocody Rock', ' Apartheid is nazism', 'Jerusalem' and 'Yitzak Rabin'.

Then there are some of the big hitters and most widely recognised figures of the reggae world. From Jamaica: Big Youth, a pioneer of the deejay style, who whipped dancehall goers into a frenzy chanting words over the popular rhythms of the day. Bob Andy one of reggae's greatest songwriters, who also possesses one if it's most soulful voices. His album 'Songbook' is considered by many to be one the greatest ever released by Studio One label owner Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd. Then from the UK come Aswad, the 'lions of Ladbroke Grove'. These veterans of the English roots scene have expanded their musical horizons over the years from classic roots to the jazz-dub of 'Warrior Charge' whilst taking in dancehall, soul and pop influences as well. Last but not least is Glen Washington. The veteran 'lovers' specialist began singing for Joe Gibbs in the 1970s but continued his career as a drummer with Culture's Joseph Hill. His return to singing brought one of the biggest commercial successes in terms of sales for the latter days of Studio One with ‘Brother To Brother’, where Glen rides some of this seminal label's most timeless rhythms

Today's Jamaican music is represented by the likes of Anthony B, Ginjah, and Fantan Mojah. Anthony B, originally from Portmore, has been performing since the early nineties and his initial success with 'Fire Pon Rome'. This "sing-jay" star is renowned for putting on a great show fusing the mysticism of roots and the explosiveness of Dancehall. Ginjah is a former pupil of Lovers legend Beres Hammond who hit big in Jamaica with his classic song 'Music Alone', while Fantan Mojah is perceived as being one of Jamaica's significant new roots stylists and has previously pleased Rototom crowds. His hits so far, 'Hungry' and 'Hail the King', show how Rastafari is still a driving force behind the island's music scene and its society.

Having moved from Italy where Rototom has been based for the past 24 shows Italian reggae will not however be without it performers. Sud Sound System are a dancehall band from Salento and formed in the late 80's. Their distinctive trait has been to use their local dialect to tell their stories and talk about the aspirations of young people from where they come from, but in a Jamaican dancehall style.

More news on the final line-up should become available over the coming weeks.