Rototom SunSplash 2009
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE
"Un'altro Mondo È Possible" - "another world is possible" was the motto at Rototom Sunsplash 2009 and once again, festival-goers, organizers and staff proved that it is indeed. Regardless of ethnicity, colour, or creed people can live together respectfully, in harmony, peace, tolerance, love and unity.
Having participated at last year's festival, I can happily attest to the harmonious atmosphere experienced - nothing but positivity and love present in the park. Every year people come from all over Europe and beyond, to see, hear and learn more about Reggae, Jamaica and its culture, as well as its influence on the music and culture of people around the world. This is indeed a peaceful gathering.
Although unable to attend the 16th annual European Reggae Festival this year, I was able to participate virtually. Broadcast live over radio, television and live-streaming online, the festival's reggae-loving audience has expanded far beyond the borders of the Parco del Rivellino at the base of the Alps.
Naturally, as a virtual participant, the energy and vibrations that one feels amongst the throngs of people in the park were sorely missing, but some of the performances were so powerfully brilliant that the vibrations were indeed carried through the ether and felt here in Toronto. On night six, the energy of Michael Franti and Spearhead on the main stage vibrated at such a high frequency that I danced, sang, and cheered, sharing love with them and the several thousands of joyous fans who did the same under a torrential downpour. At the close of the show, I was moved to tears as I watched a most gracious, loving Franti step down off the stage to walk out amongst his drenched and devoted fans to thank them personally, embracing everyone he encountered as the rain continued unabated. This was an extraordinary and magnificent moment.
I was also fortunate enough to participate in a history making moment when Bunny Wailer, took centre stage for the first time, in Italy. The only living, original Wailer had for years declined invitations to perform in Italy because of its history of injustices in Ethiopia. Finally, he explained on stage, he changed his mind when he recognized that Italians and Ethiopians are now creating families together. He knew this was his time and Rototom the place. The audience remained enthralled as Bunny took us through the "history of reggae" including his classic Blackheart Man. Bunny Wailer, in his reconciliation with Italy, also announced that he would donate a portion of his fees to the victims of the recent earthquake in the Abruzzo region and the balance to organizations in Shashamane Ethiopia.
Other concert highlights included Junior Kelly, Steel Pulse, Alborosie, Lynton Kwesi Johnson, and Horace Andy among a whole slew of other stellar performers.
From this side of the Atlantic I was also able to enjoy Sunsplash TV between main stage acts. Sunsplash TV featured informative and entertaining interviews with performers, guests, organizers, and key personnel working to make this festival such a huge success. This year the broadcast also featured London Town, a documentary by reggae historian, radio and Sunsplash TV host, Pier Tosi. Performances and debates can still be seen from the Rototom website or on arcoiris.tv
On the down side and much to the dismay of festival-goers, Rototom president, Filippo Giunta announced, during the closing ceremonies, that as a result of police harassment tactics, next year's location and dates remain undetermined. Over the course of the ten days, police and other inspectors conducted searches of merchants' stalls, people's tents and personal belongings for "no real reason connected to emergencies or public order". Clearly, when masses of people come together in peace, love and unity, Babylon is threatened and unleashes the dogs of hell. How appropriate therefore that Anthony B closed this year's Rototom Festival with a fiery performance.
Although unable to attend the 16th annual European Reggae Festival this year, I was able to participate virtually. Broadcast live over radio, television and live-streaming online, the festival's reggae-loving audience has expanded far beyond the borders of the Parco del Rivellino at the base of the Alps.
Naturally, as a virtual participant, the energy and vibrations that one feels amongst the throngs of people in the park were sorely missing, but some of the performances were so powerfully brilliant that the vibrations were indeed carried through the ether and felt here in Toronto. On night six, the energy of Michael Franti and Spearhead on the main stage vibrated at such a high frequency that I danced, sang, and cheered, sharing love with them and the several thousands of joyous fans who did the same under a torrential downpour. At the close of the show, I was moved to tears as I watched a most gracious, loving Franti step down off the stage to walk out amongst his drenched and devoted fans to thank them personally, embracing everyone he encountered as the rain continued unabated. This was an extraordinary and magnificent moment.
I was also fortunate enough to participate in a history making moment when Bunny Wailer, took centre stage for the first time, in Italy. The only living, original Wailer had for years declined invitations to perform in Italy because of its history of injustices in Ethiopia. Finally, he explained on stage, he changed his mind when he recognized that Italians and Ethiopians are now creating families together. He knew this was his time and Rototom the place. The audience remained enthralled as Bunny took us through the "history of reggae" including his classic Blackheart Man. Bunny Wailer, in his reconciliation with Italy, also announced that he would donate a portion of his fees to the victims of the recent earthquake in the Abruzzo region and the balance to organizations in Shashamane Ethiopia.
Other concert highlights included Junior Kelly, Steel Pulse, Alborosie, Lynton Kwesi Johnson, and Horace Andy among a whole slew of other stellar performers.
From this side of the Atlantic I was also able to enjoy Sunsplash TV between main stage acts. Sunsplash TV featured informative and entertaining interviews with performers, guests, organizers, and key personnel working to make this festival such a huge success. This year the broadcast also featured London Town, a documentary by reggae historian, radio and Sunsplash TV host, Pier Tosi. Performances and debates can still be seen from the Rototom website or on arcoiris.tv
On the down side and much to the dismay of festival-goers, Rototom president, Filippo Giunta announced, during the closing ceremonies, that as a result of police harassment tactics, next year's location and dates remain undetermined. Over the course of the ten days, police and other inspectors conducted searches of merchants' stalls, people's tents and personal belongings for "no real reason connected to emergencies or public order". Clearly, when masses of people come together in peace, love and unity, Babylon is threatened and unleashes the dogs of hell. How appropriate therefore that Anthony B closed this year's Rototom Festival with a fiery performance.
Mr. Giunta went on to advise the audience that despite resistance, the festival will endure and will continue to grow in strength and numbers even if it must be relocated to another country. For the English version of Mr. Giunta's speech visit rototom.com
Despite the distance and Babylon interference, this edition of Rototom Sunsplash was an enormous success! Congratulations to all the organizers, staff and participants. I look forward to next year's festival al vivo.
Alla prossima,
(till next time)
Maria Castellucci
MAdCast-Fuji
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