The 19th Rototom Sunsplash is the biggest musical event in Europe about reggae music. There will be many concerts and sound system dances (read more about the line up here :  Rototom Sunsplash - 2012 Line Up ), but this article is about what's happening beyond live music at the Rototom Sunsplash.

Every year, Benicassim becomes the european capital of reggae music but also a Social Forum. Reggae has always been a militant music, carrying values of solidarity, hope, ecology, equality ... The Social Forum will take place in the festival area during the whole week. Many themes will be discussed like democracy, human rights, economical crisis, but more important is the next issue, how to build a better system ? The purpose of a social forum is to discuss about many subjects to understand crucial issues in order to move forward and build a better society for each and every one.

The House of Rastafari will be a special place where you can chat with rastafarians about faith and spirituality. Although you are not a true rastafarian, it is important when you like reggae music to know about the Rastafari culture. It will help you for a better understanding of  the music you like so much. The Italian Federation of the Rastafari Assembly and the Ethiopian Cultural Service called Exodus will be there. 

The culture and history of reggae music will be discussed in the Reggae University, which takes place since 2007 at the Rototom Sunsplash. Past, present and future of reggae music, through its evolution, is an important point to understand the reggae and rastafari culture. Many artists, journalists or writters will be there to conduct those interesting debates.

The Area No Profit is a place where NGO, sharing common values with the Rototom, are represented. It is a great opportunity for them and the festival goers to share ideas and commitments in positive actions.

Many worshops will also take place : african drums, didgeridoo, photo, yoga, tai chi ...

In a different style, I would like to talk to you about the Sunbeach. Which is a sound system stage on Benicassim beach, where music is played all day long with dj's from the Dub Station corner or the Ska Club. I'm looking forward to hang out on the beach and to participate to an improvized skanking contest like this one : 

Last informations about the line up :

Linval Thompson who was supposed to sing on the free concerts on tuesday 14th, won't be here and he is replaced by Dennis Alcapone and Winston Reedy. There is plenty of occasions to see Linval in concert, Alcapone is more rare in live, so it's quiet a good news I think. Do not forget that this concert is free.

The veteran sound from Italy, One Love Hi Powa will be part of the dancehall stage line up !

By clicking on the following link, you'll get the whole line up of the Free Yard stage : http://www.rototomsunsplash.com/fr/news/224-sunsplash-2012/3027-free-yard-programma-e-mixtape

You will also get mixtapes presenting all sound systems and the selectors playing on this stage !

Hope to see you there !