The Serbian Band is the first band from Eastern Europe ever to win the Reggae Contest, much celebrated within the European reggae scene. Chalwa Band & King Konsul from Spain, Arrokibi Roots from Italy, Sundyata from France, Ital Audio Band from the UK and Sattatree from Germany were the other finalists of the 10th edition yearly competition. The reggae-dub style of Irie FM, who had already entered the finals last year, convinced both audience and jury. The band will tour the main European reggae festivals, including Rototom Sunsplash.
As reward for their perseverance, but also for their quality, Irie FM was selected as winner of the 10th edition of the European Reggae Contest in the overall finals that were celebrated in Udine (Italy) last Friday June 1st. The band had already entered the finals in 2011. On this occasion, the reggae-dub of the Belgrade based musicians convinced the jury of the contest dedicated to upcoming artists and promoted by Rototom Sunsplash. The band was automatically inserted in the line up of the festival, taking place in Benicassim on 16-22 August. The other five finalists, who also distinguished themselves for thei level, came from all the corners of Europe: Chalwa Band & King Konsul from Spain, Arrokibi Roots from Italy, Sundyata from France, Ital Audio Band from the UK and Sattatree from Germany. The Contest finals, held at PalaCus in Udine and organized with the Homepage festival, were the last step of a selection process that started in November 2011 with 364 bands and sing-jays from 24 countries. First step was the audience votes submitted by internet, combined with the votes of a professional jury. The European finalists were then selected in 6 live area finals, celebrated in 6 different European cities.
The best is yet to come for Irie FM, who have won a promotional tour that will allow them to share stages with the greatest international reggae stars at the main reggae festivals in Europe: Rototom Sunsplash (Benicassim, Spain), United Island Festival (Czech Republic), Summerjam (Germany), Reggae Radio Station Summer Festival (Italy), Reeds Festival (Switzerland), Mighty Sounds Festival (Czech Rep), Sardinia Reggae Festival (Italy), Uprising Reggae Festival (Slovak Rep), Reggae Sun Ska (France) and Foundation Reggae Festival (Spain).
Irie FM, together with the winners of the Rototom Reggae Contest Latino, will perform at Rototom Sunsplash in August, alongside many great international artists of the likes of Calle 13,Morgan, Alpha Blondy, Cultura Profética, Tanya Stephens, Alborosie Romeo, among others.
