30,000 people rocked at the 2010 Raggamuffin Reggae Festival in Rotorua, New Zealand last Saturday. They were gathered to hear some of the world’s greatest reggae and dub artists and bands.

Julian Marley’s New Zealand debut was described by reviewers as “inspired.” He delivered with a ‘charismatic stage presence’ and Shaggy ’shook the stadium’. Steel Pulse and Sly & Robbie showed New Zealand why they are reggae legends and Sean Kingston’s pop reggae was be a ‘hot’ hit with the younger audience members. Kiwi bands Katchafire, Sola Rosa with Iva Lamkum, House of Shem and Sweet & Irie showed the rest of the world the results of a national interest in dub reggae with their modern stylings. Headliner Lauryn Hill’s performance was described as ‘divine.’

Wyclef Jean made an on-screen appearance to talk about his experience of the Haiti earthquake and his proposed performance at New Zealand Raggamuffin 2011.

General Manager of Event Venues Rotorua Peter McLoud said:

Raggamuffin 2010 again reinforced Rotorua’s standing as the reggae capital of New Zealand. Raggamuffin not only brings a significant economic boost to the city but also creates an exciting and vibrant atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. Rotorua continues to extend the spirit of Manaakitanga to our thousands of Raggamuffin visitors.

The goodwill went beyond the reggae fans, performers, and town of Rotorua: the Red Cross collected $8300 for Haiti on show day. Currently supplying Field Hospitals, Mobile Health Care units, Rescue Units, communications, and 500,000 litres of water per day, every cent (100%) donated to the Red Cross goes where it’s needed as there are no deductions for admin costs. $6250 was also collected via online donations for the Samoan relief fund. The Good Water Project donated 10% of bottled water retail sales to the Sir Peter Blake Trust to support environmental education programs in New Zealand.

With alcohol banned, it was also an incredibly peaceful event, as reported by the festival’s organizers:

Thanks to all who attended Raggamuffin 2010 – you were the best crowd ever.
You may have noticed the shows reviews mention that there were NO police arrests in the stadium during the show. As much as the media tends to like to report otherwise, this makes the Raggamuffin crowd the BEST bunch of people at any large outdoor show probably in the last few years (but we knew that already aye!)!

Much respect to you all.
One Arohanui – from the team at Raggamuffin

For more information about the Raggamuffin reggae festival please see – www.raggamuffin.co.nz

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