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

February 23 - 25: Deerys Rd, Orere Point

Tickets via www.splore.net