Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest is kicking off our 25th Anniversary with some big debuts and the return of some old friends! One of Mexico’s greatest reggae bands, ANTIDOPING, finally makes it to Victoria to headline this opening free show. A linchpin of the Razteca Movement – a fusion of Mexican culture and Rastafarian philosophy, that includes our old friends LosRastillos – Antidoping has been one of Mexico’s most vital, exciting reggaebands for over 30 decades. With a full horn section, thumping rhythm section and an absolutely captivating frontman, Antidoping bring an unforgettable show and vibe with them wherever they go. We are honoured to welcome them to Victoria for the first time.

Providing direct support – and also making her festival debut – is one of Canada’s hottest reggae singers, 6x Juno award nominee, AMMOYE. Originally from Clarendon, Jamaica and now residing in Toronto, Ammoye has established herself as one the voices at the forefront of reggae music in Canada. Her music is adelicate but hard-hitting blend of rocksteady, dancehall and even dubstep, with notes of gospel, soul and R&B scattered throughout. Ammoye’s effervescent stage presence and remarkable ability to connect with her audience has taken her around the world, including a highlight performance at last years AFROFEST in Cape Town, South Africa.  

At its heart, Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest is about community. In 25 years we’ve made a barrel of lifetime friends in music and there aren’t many bands that represent the community spirit of our festival more than THE CAPITAL COLLECTIVE. Featuring members of our local music scene from beloved acts like Lovecoast and Dope Soda to name but a couple, The Capital Collective came together 5 years ago to help us celebrate our 20th and they’re back to help us bring in the 25th like only they can. A powerful ska orchestra, The Capital Collective brings BIG SOUND to the stage every time theyunite. Opening up the main stage for year 25 is reggae jam-band GISTO & THE GRATEFUL LIVING. Their unique blend of reggae and dancehall with elements of Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers has won them fans all over. With a diverse lineup of musicians from different walks of life, Gisto & The Grateful Living represent the unifying power of reggae music. Rounding things off,warming up the stage and keeping it bouncing between bands is our dear friend,DJ and community builder JUDAH ROOTS, who will be playing the finest reggae, dancehall and other Caribbean flavours.