Leading UK MC and Mercury Prize winner, Dizzee Rascal, will headline Splore Festival next February. Following the recent release of his sixth album, Raskit, Dizzee Rascal will make a long overdue return to New Zealand after a five year absence. He will be re-asserting his legacy on the grime scene with verses from his recent album like … “Too big for my boots, that’s the truth, no excuse for you new recruits, bunch of dilutes and a few flukes” … the gauntlet has well and truly been thrown down.
Festival Director, John Minty who travels extensively to look for suitable Splore acts says Dizzee Rascal stood out as a great act for Splore and says he is very excited to finally be able to secure him for the festival. “Dizzee Rascal’s shows have a reputation for intense energy with his mix of original grime, trap and pop. I’m looking forward to his main stage show on the beach front at Tapapakanga.”
Joining Dizzee Rascal on Splore’s first line up announcement is Jamaican star, Chronixx, who is credited with spearheading the recent reggae revival. Coming off huge sell out shows in Europe, Chronixx (Jamar McNaughton) is riding a wave after the release of his recent Chronology album. Already a US smash, the album fuses old-school roots and lovers rock with contemporary dancehall, rap, R&B and EDM. The likes of Big Bad Sound and Smile Jamaica mix dub basslines with sunny, anthemic tunes. The current album follows on from his politically hard-hitting 2014 anti-colonial Capture Land. Chronology tracks, Black Is Beautiful, Ghetto Paradise and Selassie Children address racism, Jamaican poverty and religious persecution.
The phenomenon that is Too Many Zooz from NYC will make their New Zealand debut at Splore 2018. The NYC subway buskers became a viral sensation after a passerby posted a clip to Youtube in 2014. Since that time Too Many Zooz have performed to sell out shows around the world and built an almost messianic following.
Also announced on Splore’s first line up announce are acclaimed Detroit hip hop artist, Black Milk, the UK’s DJ MK, Japanese art punk outfit KAOS, Dutch band, My Baby, German punkster, Bonaparte, Brazilian DJ Marcelinho da Luna, and Danish techno DJ’s Courtesy and Mama Snake.
Local acts confirmed so far are RIA Hall, The Nudge, Manuel Bundy, Greg Churchill, Lady Flic, Aroha and Tali.
A further music announcement will be made early November, followed by the performance announcement for Splore’s Living Lounge zone.
On the back of Splore 2017 success with early opening, there will be limited ticket sales for a Thursday entry from 2pm with restricted access to the upstairs camping. Entertainment will focus in the Old Mout Cider bar with a DJ programme for Thursday evening.
SPLORE 2018
Mystic Ritual
23rd – 25th February | Orere Point | Auckland
Tickets:
- General admission adult festival ticket: $275 (includes general camping)
- Youth ticket (13-17): $150
- Children: Free
Camping upgrades are available – reserved and glamping options on sale at www.splore.net
About Splore:
Splore is a festival of music and arts staged annually at one of the most beautiful festival sites in the world. It is New Zealand owned and operated and has set a benchmark for sustainability and respect.
The site, Tapapakanga Regional Park, is only an hour from Auckland, but each year “Splorers” travel from all over the globe to enjoy the culture, the vibe – and the wonderful, safe swimming beach only metres from the festival main stage.
Splore’s multiple stages feature compelling musicians, singers and DJs from around the world – but it’s a place for more than music too. For three days, the site buzzes with performing arts, art installations, workshops and forums.
And people. To go to Splore is to be part of Splore. Some Splorers work for months on their habitats in special themed camps, many more on creative costumes for Saturday night. And everyone who sets foot in the park becomes part of the culture: relaxed, positive, friendly – and up for it.
Children are people too, and Splore not only welcomes families but offers a family camping area and a dedicated kids’ zone with a full programme of activities and entertainment.
Sustenance at Splore is affordable, varied and delicious, and largely served by vendors who come every year. Food is served in compostable dishes and drinks come in reusable “globelet” cups. Splore was the first NZ festival to stop selling water in single use plastic bottles, introducing All rubbish is sorted onsite into recycling and composting, minimising waste and ensuring high diversion rates away from landfill.
Splore has the other end of proceedings covered too, with purpose-built composting toilets alongside campsites. To further reduce the environmental footprint, revelers are incentivised to carpool and public transport is subsidised. Every year, the mantra is #leavenotrace.
Respect for the land goes hand-in-hand with respect for its original people. At every Splore, international visitors are welcomed with a powhiri on behalf of local iwi.
Like everyone, those visitors tend to be thinking about getting back next year even as they leave. Because there’s nowhere like Splore.
Splore is more than a good party. It’s a good place in your heart.