Alborosie, Reel Big Fish, The Skatalites, Asian Dub Foundation and many more confirmed

Boomtown Fair have revealed the first batch of acts for the 2012 event. The first six to be announced are; MOBO award winner Alborosie, ska-punk supremo’s Reel Big Fish, legendary Jamaican Godfathers of ska The Skatalites, Jamaica’s number one female reggae artist Tanya Stephens, the indo-dub basslines of Asian Dub Foundation and the gypsy-punk global fusions of Balkan Beat Box.
 
Knocking Damian Marley and Nas out of the running for the Best Reggae Act at the 2011 MOBO awards, Alborosie continues to go from strength to strength. First hitting the music scene back in the early 90’s with his band The Reggae National Tickets, this Sicilian born Rastafarian has won over critics and fans alike throughout his career, both as a band and later as a solo artist. His ascent to fame came with his debut album Soul Pirate which hosted some of his top hits including the mighty ‘Kingston Town’ and ‘Kingdom of Zion’.
 
With their big hitting tunes ‘Sell Out’ and ‘I want your girlfriend to be my girlfriend’; Reel Big Fish were the heavy weights of the Ska-punk revival in the mid to late 90’s. Known for their hyperkinetic stage shows, mischievous humour and reworking of new-wave classics, Reel Big Fish won over underground and mainstream audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.
 
‘The Skatalites’ is a name that needs no introduction for ska and reggae fans. More than a band, The Skatalites were and are an institution, a collection of world class musicians who didn't just define the sound of Jamaica, they were the sound of Jamaica across the '50s and '60s. Reforming in the mid 80’s they have been touring and recording ever since. Favourites on the UK festival circuit, these stalwarts of Jamaican Ska are true professionals and put on an awe-inspiring show and spread sunshine at every gig.
 
Reggae songstress Tanya Stephens is one of the most popular female recording artists to come out of Jamaica in recent years. Bursting onto the dancehall scene with an arresting sound, she quickly proved she could more than handle herself within this predominantly male vocation. Over the years she’s grown into her position and delivered some of the most topical, insightful lyrics in reggae. With ‘It’s a Pity’ Tanya achieved international recognition as a leading reggae / dancehall artist.
 
Asian Dub Foundation are all set to bring their unique blend of rapcore, dub, dancehall and raga with a hefty punk influence to the event. Often hailed as the 90’s version of the Clash or Sex Pistols, ADF have always pioneered their political ideals through a heavy bassline and pounding drum. Also set to headline is the whirling boundary-less sounds of Balkan Beat Box. This trio put a modern twist on Mediterranean folk music combing horns, reggae vocals and hip hop drums into one almightily energetic mix up of genre spanning funk!
 
A tier 3 weekend ticket is limited but still available at £109, a tier 4 weekend ticket costs £116.

Boomtown Fair - Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th August 2012 - Matterly Estate, Winchester