The legendary reggae artist Damian Marley will bring his rootsy sound to Brockwell Park next May, marking a pivotal moment for the UK festival celebrating Caribbean and African culture.
City Splash returns to Brockwell Park on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31st, 2027, with a lineup that promises to shake the roots of reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeat scenes in the UK. The festival’s first announced act is Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, a name that carries the weight of reggae’s future and its rich past. Marley, the youngest son of Bob Marley, has spent decades carving out his own legacy, blending reggae’s traditional sounds with global influences and contemporary beats.
His 2005 album Welcome to Jamrock remains a landmark in reggae history, with its title track becoming an anthem that transcended genre boundaries. According to Damian Marley Set to Headline City Splash 2027 i, the album earned Marley two Grammy Awards and solidified his position as a global ambassador for Jamaican music. His collaborations with Nas, Jay-Z, and other hip-hop giants have helped push reggae and dancehall into new spaces, maintaining its relevance across generations. Watching Marley take the stage at Brockwell Park will be a defining moment for the festival’s community, embodying the deep roots and bright future of Caribbean music.
Joining him is Dexta Daps, a charismatic dancehall artist known for blending reggae, dancehall, and R&B into a distinctive sound that has captivated international audiences. Tracks like Shabba Madda Pot, 7Eleven, and Call Me If have earned him a fiercely loyal following. His appearance at City Splash underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing contemporary Jamaican artists who are pushing the genre forward. Skillibeng, another rising star, will also perform. Since breaking out with Crocodile Teeth, Skillibeng has become a global force, collaborating across genres and helping shape the new dancehall sound.
The legendary Wayne Wonder, whose career spans over three decades, will bring his timeless voice to Brockwell Park. Known for his hit No Letting Go, Wonder embodies dancehall’s global breakthrough, connecting past and present with his soulful catalog. In addition, UK artist Stefflon Don will make her City Splash debut, bringing her fusion of British rap, dancehall, and Caribbean influences. Her presence highlights how UK artists continue to bridge cultures and genres, enriching the festival’s diverse lineup.
Adding authentic Jamaican roots to the mix is Warrior King, a reggae singer whose messages of virtue and resistance have resonated for over twenty years. His classics like “Virtuous Woman” and “Never Go Where Pagans Go” reinforce the festival’s roots in conscious music. The lineup also expands into Afrobeats and global club sounds with DJ Tunez, Wizkid’s official DJ, and Soca pioneer DJ Puffy, both known for electrifying sets that blend Caribbean, African, and electronic styles. Their inclusion underscores the festival’s broad embrace of the diaspora’s vibrant musical tapestry.
City Splash’s core remains its soundsystem culture, with UK-based selectors and crews like Channel One, Rampage Sound, Saxon Sound, and Heartless Crew set to soundtrack the day. A roster of local and international DJs including DJ Ace, Nicky Slimting, Ras Kwame, and Seani B will keep the energy flowing across multiple stages, celebrating the history and evolution of Caribbean sound system culture.
The festival’s focus on community and culture has helped it grow into a major UK event, blending genres from reggae and dancehall to grime, jungle, and Afrobeat. It’s a space where generations meet, reveling in the sounds that shaped British music and continue to push its boundaries. City Splash 2027 promises to be a landmark gathering, spotlighting the roots and future of Caribbean and African music in the UK and beyond.
