Raggamuffin Announces First Line-up And Move to Auckland

Raggamuffin Announces First Line-up And Move to Auckland

• One Day – Two Stages
• Headlined by UB40 and Ice Cube
• New Auckland location
• Waitlist now for tickets

British reggae royalty UB40 and American hip-hop legend Ice Cube will headline New Zealand’s premiere reggae festival Raggamuffin which will take place in Auckland on Saturday 13 December.

In an exciting move, the one-day event will now feature two stages – one reggae, and one urban, with acts also set to include leading Pacific reggae artist Fiji, Jamaica’s Etana and Chronixx, beacon of British reggae, Gappy Ranks – who will play a set with New Zealand’s own P-Money. They will be joined by more top-shelf Kiwi acts including Katchafire, Aaradhna with full band, Sammy Johnsonfeaturing Brownhill, House of Shem and Tomorrow People.

Leading the reggae stage for Raggamuffin VIII will be a freshly reformed UB40. The three founding members – Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue – have reunited to bring fans the true sound of one of reggae’s biggest acts, and will play new music alongside all-time favourites such as ‘Red Red Wine’.

“We asked our fans who they would like to have at Raggamuffin and we were overwhelmed by the requests for UB40. We’re very pleased to be able to bring this iconic reggae act back to the festival,” said event promoter Andrew McManus.

Ranked one of the world’s top MCs, hip-hop heavyweight Ice Cube (C.I.A and N.W.A) is a fitting headliner for the Urban Stage and leader for the festival’s new direction with his distinctively honest style of rap, and prolific and often political lyrics.

More major international and local acts will join the already scorching line-up when the second announcement is made in August

After seven years in Rotorua, the event is also finding a new home in Auckland to be closer to its strong fan base. The venue for Raggamuffin VIII will be announced in August.

“We’ve given Rotorua a good go,” says Andrew McManus. “We’re delighted to be bringing Raggamuffin to Auckland and we hope our fans will continue to support the event and that we will be encouraging new fans to come along.”

Mr McManus also today announced that Raggamuffin in Auckland will be presented in partnership with Dawn Raid Entertainment.

“Dawn Raid is an established and well-known brand in New Zealand who have produced some of the best hip hop acts in the country.”

Dawn Raid Entertainment director Danny "Brotha D" Leaosavai'i said Raggamuffin is an iconic New Zealand summer festival and the company is excited to be on board.

“We wanted to assist bringing in new changes that will enhance Raggamuffin Music Festival, not only with the best line-up for any festival this summer but also a new venue.”

Raggamuffin has also traditionally supported New Zealand youth charities with the last event raising funds for charity Y for Youth. Mr McManus has confirmed Raggamuffin VIII will again support Y for Youth which provides vital assistance to a range of New Zealand youth organisations.

Tickets for Raggamuffin VIII will be on sale from early August and fans can register now with Ticketmaster - www.ticketmaster.co.nz - to receive an extra special ticket offer plus be in the draw to win* a Wicked Camper 'Iconic' 2 or 3 seater camper for up to five days hire plus VIP upgrades at Raggamuffin for you and a friend (*Terms and conditions apply). Keep up-to-date atwww.raggamuffin.co.nz

ends

© Scoop Media