The most important reggae competition in France befell for the twelfth and closing time at its iconic venue, Les Forges de Fraisans! As soon as once more this yr, 53,000 followers of fine vibes and good music gathered to get pleasure from an eclectic lineup that includes roots, dub, soul, and loads of surprises!
The viewers loved live shows on three completely different levels: the primary stage was on the campsite, at Ch’Apero, the place bands performed within the early afternoon and late at night time (even till the morning!).
On the competition website, the Dubfactory stage was designed for followers of heavy bass, sound programs, dub, electro, and many others., whereas the principle stage attracted many of the festival-goers with its headliners.
It isn’t simple to cowl every part and share all of the live shows with you, however right here is my choice, day-to-day!
Arriving within the village of Fraisans within the morning, I began my competition by heading to the Ch’Apero to get pleasure from Siska”s concert. An artist who rose to fame with the Watcha Clan, she is continuous her solo profession and has simply launched an album, «Holdin‘ the Vibe», produced by Prince Fatty.
Then it was Maxxo’s flip, an artist who’s making a comeback! Certainly, the artist made his mark on French reggae in 2010 along with his second album, “For the Subsequent Era”! He’s making a powerful comeback in 2025 with the discharge of a number of singles and a tour that features No Emblem!
It’s time to move to the principle stage, the place the primary night time is already shaping as much as be an awesome one! We’ll begin with French duo / Woks, who’ve been regulars at French festivals for over a decade. The band attracts within the crowd as they start to reach on the website, regardless of the extreme warmth!
Then got here a beautiful shock with a younger Jamaican artist I found on stage: Jah Lil. He’s a part of a brand new wave of artists who’re reviving reggae whereas respecting its fundamentals, each musically and lyrically.
Subsequent up have been the legends of reggae: first Clinton Fearon, who alternated between new tracks from his album “Jah is Love” and his classics! It’s at all times a pleasure to really feel this artist’s photo voltaic vitality! Subsequent up was Burning Spear, who set the viewers alight! The expertise of a Burning Spear live performance is at all times as mystical and militant as ever, and as shut as you may get to the very essence of reggae and even Rastafari!
The temper modified with French artist Tarro, who alternated between lover’s rock and militant kinds, permitting the viewers to sing alongside to French reggae classics equivalent to «Bonne Weed»! It was a very good transition to a extra hip-hop lineup with Marseille’s Fonky Household!
Sadly, I really feel like I’m now not 20 years outdated, and I’m going residence to sleep, feeling responsible for lacking the nice David Rodigan!
I begin the second day proper on the Dub Manufacturing unit stage, the place I’m wanting to see Youthie”s efficiency. Equally relaxed with a violin, trumpet, or diatonic accordion, the artist takes us on a journey to the Orient and the Balkans with some nice dub bass strains!
Then I head to the principle stage to find a band from Yunnan province in China: Puman, who add conventional devices and melodies to reggae rhythms. A fantastic, unique, and unique discovery! After China, No Emblem transported us to Senegal with Meta and the Cornerstones. An everyday on European levels, Meta Dia and his musicians unfold their messages of peace, ecology, and love! Pure pleasure!
China, Senegal, and again to Europe with the Italians Mellow Temper! The twins current their newest album, “7,” launched this yr, and carry out their most well-known songs, equivalent to “Dance Inna Babylon” with the viewers.
As at all times with reggae, we return to its birthplace: Jamaica with Third World. For over 50 years, the band has been setting levels around the globe on fireplace! I’m positive it was over 96° within the shade that day, however the first notes of “Jah Glory” introduced the required refreshment to our spirits!
We ended the night time with two French artists: first, Biga Ranx, arrange below the coconut timber, sharing his festive electro vibes and attracting a big viewers!
Then it was the flip of a staple of the French reggae scene, Yaniss Odua, accompanied by his trustworthy Artikal Band. “Rouge, Jaune, Verf’ “Chalawa” and different huge tunes by the artist had the Fraisans forge rocking!
After which, shock … Florent Sanseigne, the competition director, arrives on stage with two gold information, which he presents to the joyful, moved, and grateful artist! Two great awards for an awesome artist!
What a good way to finish my second night!
The Ch’Apero lineup me for 2 causes: the primary group is Obidaya.
Roots harmonies such as you don’t hear anymore with this vocal quartet! A band that’s changing into uncommon, however as everyone knows, what’s uncommon is treasured! And Obidaya is preciously and talentedly persevering with the legacy of reggae! An auditory gem!
After a fast change of stage below the campsite marquee, No Emblem campers are reunited with Nadia McAnuff, accompanied by the Ligerians. Over the previous few years, European audiences have found the radiant Nadia, who’s making a reputation for herself on this planet of reggae. The musicians and singers create an ideal concord, a lot to the delight of the viewers! Power, love, pleasure!
It’s time to go away the campsite and head to the principle stage, the place Ayo will transport us into her soulful world. A piano, a double bass, and the artist’s tender voice. A second of pure bliss!
We return to fundamentals with extra reggae legends: the Twinkle Brothers accompanied by Barry Prince, Dub Judah, and Errol Nicholson. Norman Grant’s vitality rapidly captivates the group as he performs the group’s classics equivalent to “Patoo” “Jahoviah” and “Religion Can Transfer Mountains.”
With out transition, it’s time for one of many live shows I’ve been trying ahead to. Greater than 25 years in the past, ragga was a reasonably vital motion in France. Bands combined reggae and hip-hop. One of many pillars of this motion was the Neg’Marrons. Current on the first version of the competition, Jacky and Ben’J proved with a completely masterful present that they have been nonetheless those to depend on to get the group leaping!
For the final version at Les Forges de Fraisans, the 17,000 folks took inventory calmly, reminiscing about each second spent at Les Forges de Fraisans! Then it was Ky-Mani Marley‘s flip. It’s at all times a pleasure to see one of many sons of the godfather of reggae, however I have to admit I used to be considerably dissatisfied by his efficiency, wherein the covers drowned out the artist’s personal compositions.
Lastly, it was Danakil who set Les Forges de Fraisans alight. The group is a staple of French reggae and a shining instance of DIV! All the time militant, at all times festive, at all times sharing the stage with different artists, equivalent to Pamela Badjogo and Marcus Gad tonight.
By Livi Pix/Frédo Mat
No Emblem Competition, Fraisans 2025
