With the release of his landmark album "Where There Is Life" in 1995, Luciano emerged as one of the most important reggae singers in decades and the greatest hope for roots reggae's survival in the digital dancehall era. Since that much acclaimed release, Luciano's music has been consistently praised for imparting sentiments of spiritual salvation, Rastafarian edification and African repatriation. In these troubled times, Luciano's engaging baritone resonates like a divinely ordained instrument. Throughout the years, Luciano has held steadfast to enriching Rasta principles. These positive lyrical themes have justifiably earned him the title of “The Messenger”. After an absence of several years from touring in the United States, SNWMF is pleased to present Luciano’s First West Coast appearance in 4 years.

Third World is one of the most beloved Jamaican reggae bands. Formed in 1973 the bands sound is influenced by soul, funk and disco. The band started when keyboard player Michael "Ibo" Cooper and guitarist (and cellist) Stephen "Cat" Coore, who had originally played in The Alley Cats then Inner Circle, subsequently left to form their own band. Third World achieved great success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with their cover version of The O'Jays' "Now That We Found Love." It was a hit single on both sides of the Atlantic in 1979. This song brought them to the attention of Stevie Wonder, who worked with them and wrote, along with Melody A McCully, their hit "Try Jah Love." Smashing hits, sold-out tours and inspirational messages, the 10 time Grammy nominated band kicked into high gear in 2010. The Reggae Ambassadors celebrated 37 years as a band with performances in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean prior to releasing their 23rd album, "Patriots." Despite holding the mantel as one of the longest running reggae bands, Third World continues their musical journey spreading good vibes along the way with a message that moves peoples' mind and a rhythm that moves peoples' dancing feet.  

The Twinkle Brothers hail from the North Coast of Jamaica and the ghettos of Falmouth, in the Parish of Trelawny. The brothers, Norman and Ralston Grant, started singing in their Sunday school choir at ages six and eight. They made their musical instruments because they could not afford to buy them. Various tin cans and fishing lines became guitars and drums. The Twinkles released the celebrated 'Rasta Pon Top' in 1975 which included such intrinsic Rastafari anthems as 'Give Rasta Praise', 'It Gwine Dreada', 'Beat Them Jah Jah' and the fiery, assertive title track: 'Rasta Pon Top'. The Twinkle Brothers have produced more than 65 albums (with more to come!) plus numerous singles, a 'live' Sunsplash album and video, one live album in Poland, three albums on Virgin label and one on Quiet Storm record label. The Twinkle Brothers career is in full flight and the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is looking forward to their 'landing' in Boonville at this year's festival.

Singer Lutan Fyah is the epitome of perseverance. After years of toil in the dancehall where he built an underground following, Lutan is on the brink of a major breakthrough. Keen to emulate Dennis Brown and Garnet Silk, two of the singers he grew up listening to, Lutan sings hard-hitting message songs, but makes commercial sounds that will introduce him to the mainstream.  Lutan Fyah was born Anthony Martin in Portmore, a sprawling housing community in Jamaica's St. Catherine parish. He has strong roots in Spanish Town, once the capital of the Caribbean country. Lutan says it is difficult to escape the culture of crime that has dominated the 'old capital' for over 10 years. "Spanish Town is a kind of garrison where every man is a suspect. To keep yourself with the vibes you have to walk a chalk line.â€� Through outstanding releases and regular tours, Lutan Fyah has made a name for himself in Europe where there has long been an appreciation for roots reggae. After more than a decade of looking in from the underground, he is blazing a trail in the mainstream.

"The Godfather of Dancehall,” well-deserved moniker for Johnny Osbourne, describes his contribution to reggae music as it evolved from the local Jamaican community to the international arena. A string of hits dating from the late sixties forward defines Johnny's longevity and artistic ability. Johnny Osbourne was born in 1947 and grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. He became interested in music while attending the Alpha Boys School. After a brief migration to Canada, Johnny returned to Jamaica just as Clement Dodd's Studio One label was about to reassert itself and rejuvenate the music scene with a new sound with ties to the past. It would be known as the dancehall sound. Clement Dodd was always looking for fresh talent, and Johnny Osbourne made the cut and recorded for the legendary producer. Blessed with an eclectic voice, and an unparalleled style, Johnny's music transcends genres and generations. Reggae historian Roger Steffens affirms, "A 25-year career that shows no signs of letting up, from soulful reggae to a massive dancehall catalog, Osbourne's warm voice filled with conviction and yearning, is one of the island's best". After more than 3 decades, his sound is as distinct and fresh as ever.

In 2007 Romain Virgo made history as the youngest person (just 17 years of age) to win Digicel Rising Stars, Jamaica’s wildly popular TV talent competition. Recognizing Romain’s vast potential, Donovan Germain encouraged him to write his own songs. Romain took that advice and wrote several reggae hits including “Wanna Go Home (Rain Is Falling)”, “Murderer” and the Jamaican chart topper “Can’t Sleep”, which earned the singer many fans beyond the island’s shores. Those songs, alongside several new selections featured on Romain’s impressive, self-titled debut album, released in the summer of 2010 on VP Records, confirm that this rising star has now matured into a true reggae talent. Romain Virgo made his California festival debut at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival last year. His exuberance and upfull spirit made him a such massive hit with the audience that SNWMF asked him to return.

David Rodigan is one of England's premier DJs and radio personalities.  Rodigan began buying records leading up to his first playing out date at age 16 where he acquired his well-known nickname of ‘Ram Jam.’  Rodigan got his break into radio in 1978 doing a weekly reggae show Sunday lunch-time on BBC Radio London.  As time progressed, Rodigan moved on from BBC Radio London to Capital Radio and he began his current UK radio slot with Kiss 100FM in 1998.  Constantly evolving and progressing, David Rodigan has had a significant input into the reggae DJ arena for over 30 years.  He is an inspiration to up and coming DJ’s regardless of creed or color as he’s a prime example that the color of your skin makes no difference when it comes to being a skilled DJ and having love for the music, the people and the culture.  The long-serving reggae broadcaster has been appointed to receive the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire or MBE in the Queen's New Years Honours list.  This will be David Rodigan's third appearance at Sierra Nevada World Music Festival.  Look forward to the selections he will lay down in the dancehall.

Perfect is one of the most powerful, intriguing and refreshing voices on today’s Reggae and Dancehall scene. Born Greg Rose, he grew up in the cool hills of Bamboo in the parish of St. Ann. His father owned several jukeboxes, which fully exposed him to the rhythms of Jamaica. He counts Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Toots Hibbert as some of his early favorites. A Rastafarian, Perfect’s lyrics are deep and straightforward, yet unforgettably melodious. He keeps his lyrics real and unapologetically uses music as his medium for education and self-awareness. Recognized as one of the most powerful, intriguing, and refreshing voices on today's reggae and dancehall scene, this artist mashes up urban style, roots vibes, and straight up soul for a combination that is perfectly Perfect.

Locos Por Juana is a 2 time Grammy Nominated, bilingual Jam-Band formed in Miami, FL in the year 2000 most notably recognized by their electrifying dynamism onstage and their unique take of Afro-Caribbean Music. Locos Por Juana's sound is a distinct one, drawing from the members' diverse backgrounds. The heart and soul of their hybrid style emanates from Colombia. Band members Itagui and Javier were born in Colombia, and Mark is Miami-born of Colombian descent. As such, they incorporate the beloved sounds of their heritage and their upbringing, like Cumbia, Champeta and Afro-Colombian rhythms such as Mapale and Chande, reshaping them, breathing a new life into them, and giving them an altogether new identity. Integral to Locos Por Juana's style is the musical influence of Reggae, Dancehall and Ragga from Miami and the Caribbean; and Hip-Hop, Rock and Funk from the US. From Colombia to Miami, from Central America to Europe, Locos por Juana is ready to break out with their New Album: “Somos de la Calle”.

Dub/Dance pioneers Zion Train have been undisputed leaders in the genre for the past 2 decades. The band was heavily involved in alternative and DIY underground culture in the UK during the 1990s as well as being purveyors of the finest Roots Reggae music throughout this period. They are one of the finest live dub acts on the planet and promoted the practice of dynamic onstage dub mixing which they perform alongside acoustic instruments and the best vocalists. Zion Train was founded by Perch (live dub mixing /production), in 1990 and he was later joined by Cod (melodica/production), Tench (production), Molara (voice), Hake (trumpet), and Forkbeard (trombone). The live line-up has always been very flexible, varying from Perch and a vocalist for sound-system gigs, to an extended lineup for larger events. Zion Train live always features a variety of renowned vocalists.