Ostróda Reggae Festival is the largest reggae music festival in Poland, held annually in the town of Ostróda since 2001.
History The roots of the festival go back to 1983, when employees of the then Municipal Cultural Centre in Ostróda organized a local music contest under the name "Ost-Rock". It featured young bands from Ostróda and surrounding areas as part of the National Youth Song Review. Annual editions were held until 1989 in various locations throughout the town. The most frequent winner was the local band Magister z Wyciętą Przysadką Mózgową. Other participants included Blues Children, Klaps, Policja w Krainie Czarów, Rzeka Czasu, Positive Vibration, Nasza Rozgłośnia, Napalm, and Naga Prawda.
In the 1990s, two attempts to revive the contest were made — in 1995 and 1996 — with the band Agonya winning both times.
The modern version of the festival was launched in 2001 through the efforts of Artur "Many" Munje, head of Ostróda's Promotion Office, and Piotr "Piter" Kolaj from the agency Positive Music Promotion. For the first three years, the event took place in the courtyard of the Teutonic Castle in Ostróda under the name "Ost-Rock-Reggae". In 2004, the festival moved to the "Białe Koszary" military complex and adopted the name Ostróda Reggae Festival.
The program traditionally includes a competition for young bands, with judges such as Włodzimierz Kleszcz, Sławomir Gołaszewski, Robert Brylewski, Mirosław "Maken" Dzięciołowski, Grzegorz Kasjaniuk, and Jarosław Hejenkowski.
From the fifth edition onward, the festival features three main stages: Red Stage, Green Stage, and Yellow SoundSystem Stage.
Festival editions
2001 The festival was held on 31 August – 1 September in the courtyard of the Teutonic Castle in Ostróda. Day one: Skauci (1st prize), Ikarion (2nd prize), Last Zgredas (audience award), Fari, Mandragora, The Arrow, Tuesday, ZakaZaka; guest performance by Bakshish. Day two: Agonya, Ikarion, Kobranocka, Last Zgredas, Pulsar, Shalalana, Skauci, Triquetra.
2002 Held on 31 August at the castle courtyard. Contest participants: Triquetra (1st prize), Ave Lion (2nd prize), Project Zion (audience award), Agonya, Happysad, Let’s Go, Popcore, Sezamkova, Taumaturgia, Tuesday. Guest performances by: Bakshish, Kevin Arnold, Paprika Korps, Pogodno, .
2003 Held on 30 August at the castle courtyard. Pre-event concert "Small Ost-Rock Stage" at Club Paragraf with Agonya, Akcyza, Atencja, Bin-Equality, Happysad, Honduras, Johnny Tomala, Popcore, Pulsar, Tuesday, Wsio w Pariadku. Contest participants: Le Illjah (reggae category winner), Oranżada (rock category winner), Paraliż Band (audience award), Cała Góra Barwinków, Chant, Helicobacter, Inside The Outside, Nowa Kultura. Guest performances: Habakuk, Indios Bravos, Joint Venture Soundsystem, Tumbao, Polemic (Slovakia). Due to disturbances near the venue, the concert was interrupted around midnight and bands , Paprika Korps, Bakshish did not perform. A make-up event "After Ostrock Reggae Festival" was held on 25 November.
2004 Held on 13–15 August at the "Białe Koszary" military complex. Contest participants: Ave Lion (1st prize), Dubska (best rhythm section), Kultura De Natura (best vocalist – Rasm Al-Mashan), Africonnect, Jordan, Nowa Kultura. Main stage: Bakshish, Duberman, Gedeon Jerubbaal, Habakuk, Indios Bravos, Inity Dub Mission, Le Illjah, Maleo Reggae Rockers, Paprika Korps, Paraliż Band, Positive, Radikal Dub Kolektiv, Sidney Polak, Vavamuffin, WWS All Sunrises Soundsystem, Estrepito Banditos (Germany), Love Grocer (UK), Daddy Teacha & Ramshaka (UK). Sound system stage: Kuri Selecta, El Mariachi & Ortopheads, Joint Me Squad, Positive Ferment, Singledread Soundsystem, Love Sen-C Music, Gwoździu Selecta, Trzy Kolory Reggae, Kadubra Dynamite Soundsystem, Zjednoczenie Soundsystem, DJ Feel-X, Olsztyn Reggae Amatorz, Obora Rekords, Bass Medium Trinity, Tisztelet Soundsystem, JSM Rootskontrolla, Dreadzone Soundsystem (UK).
2005 Held on 12–14 August at the barracks. Contest on Green Stage: Tabu (1st prize), Geto Blasta (best vocalist – Junior Stress), Bambi, Devoted & Rudd Sound, Kometa Marleja, Power of Trinity. Red Stage: Bakshish, Daab, Duberman, Habakuk, Immanuel, Indios Bravos, Maleo Reggae Rockers, Vavamuffin, Brain Damage (France), High Tone (France), Manipulators (France), Twinkle Brothers (Jamaica), Nucleus Roots (UK), Over Proof Soundsystem (UK). Green Stage: Africonnect, Cała Góra Barwinków, Dubska, Etna Kontrabande, Fari, Faya, Lion Vibrations, Natanael, Negril, Pauza, Positive, Project Zion, Rebellion, Stage of Unity, Yere Yere Li, Yallency Brown (Germany). Yellow SoundSystem: Olsztyn Reggae Amatorz, Gwoździu Selecta, Singledread Soundsystem, Love Sen-C Music, Abselektor, Rub Pulse, Obora Rekords, Tisztelet Soundsystem, JSM Rootskontrolla, Zjednoczenie Soundsystem, DJ Feel-X, Yasman & Tony Junior B.I.G. (Cuba). Tent-Field Stage: a fourth sound system stage hosted by Alik Dziki and DJ Leo as "Rootsmanufaktura: Jamaican Mobile Open Air Soundsystem".
2006 Held on 18–20 August at the barracks. The headline act was Culture with lead vocalist Hill Junior, son of the late Joseph Hill, who passed away two days before the concert. Red Stage: Bakshish, Duberman, Habakuk & Muniek Staszczyk, Jafia Namuel, Lion Vibrations & Jerzy "Mercedes" Mercik, Magnetosfera (members of Izrael), Maleo Reggae Rockers, Natural Dread Killaz, Paraliż Band, Polish Fire, Tumbao, Vavamuffin, WWS All Sunrises Soundsystem, Pionear (Germany), Yellow Umbrella (Germany), Tony Junior B.I.G. (Cuba), Steel Pulse (UK), Jah Man Soul & P.A.C.E. (Zimbabwe). Green Stage: Druga Strona Lustra, Dusza i Mercedes, Dzioło, Good Religion, Jordan & Kapela Kociewska, Dubska, Managga, Tabu, United Flavour (Czech Republic), Jah Tiger (Jamaica), Natty Dreadlocks (UK). Yellow SoundSystem Stage: Singledread Soundsystem, EastWest Rockers, Love Sen-C Music, Zjednoczenie Soundsystem, Joint Venture Soundsystem, Obora Rekords, Tisztelet Soundsystem, Rainbow Hi-Fi, Rub Pulse, Yasman & Tony Junior B.I.G. & Omniris Toledo (Cuba), Big Family & Roots Survival (France), Abassi All Stars (UK), DJ Ridm (UK). Contest participants: Majestic (1st prize), Fire Flex Crew, Make Progress, Naaman, Silesian Sound.
2007 Held on 16–19 August, the first edition to span four days. Bakshish celebrated their 25th anniversary. Red Stage: Ares & The Tribe, Bakshish, Chant, Duberman, Dubska with Gera Morales (of Jah Division), Etna Kontrabande, Gedeon Jerubbaal, Indios Bravos, Inity Dub Mission, Konopians, Maleo Reggae Rockers, Natural Dread Killaz & Riddim Banditz, Natural Mystic, Paprika Korps, Tabu, The Relievers, Vavamuffin, WWS All Sunrises Soundsystem, Dub Incorporation (France), Mood Rakers (Spain), Yellowman (Jamaica), Soul Fire (Greece), Misty in Roots (UK), Pama International (UK). Green Stage: Pandadread, Jah Dollz, Rainbow Hi-Fi, Abselektor, Dr Meegdal, Babel Label, Ras Bass, 27 Pablo, Obora Rekords, Selecta, Kosmos Mega, Echo TM, Duby Smalone, Joint Venture, Love Sen-C Music, Zjednoczenie, EastWest Rockers, Prince Kur & Santiago Loco (Ireland), Lone Ranger (Jamaica), Impacto (Cuba), Hornsman Coyote (Serbia), Brother Culture (UK), DJ Ridm (UK). Yellow SoundSystem Stage: Rub Pulse, Ras Bass, Obora Rekords, Singledread, Kadubra Dynamite, Jam Vibez, Ushat, Abselektor, Soul Operators. Contest: Raggafaya (1st prize), Lars (2nd prize), Industrial Forest, Pajujo, Świadomość.
2008 Held on 14–17 August at the barracks. Daab celebrated 25 years, Pablo 27 marked 10 years of career. Red Stage: Bakshish, Daab, Gedeon Jerubbaal, Izrael, Jafia Namuel, Lion Vibrations, Natanael, Nefre, Paraliż Band, Sedativa, Vavamuffin, United Flavour (Czech Republic), Big Family (France), Danakil (France), No More Babylon (France), Gorgon Massive (Netherlands), Alborosie & Shang Yeng Clan (Jamaica), Earl 16 & U-Brown (Jamaica), Ijahman Levi (Jamaica), Max Romeo (Jamaica), Omar Perry & Homegrown Band (Jamaica), Jahcoustix & Dubios Neighbourhood (Germany), Terrakota (Portugal), Jah Division (Russia), Full Focus Productions (Sweden), General Levy (UK), Franziska (Italy). Green SoundSystem Stage: Jam Vibez, Soundz of Freedom, EastWest Rockers, Singledread, Love Sen-C Music, Echo TM, Respecta Kru & Cheeba, DJ Beezee, DJ Dia, R33IC4SH & Junior Stress, Partizans Kru, DJ Playaman, T. Duby, Pankracy, 27 Pablo, Tisztelet, Ras Bass, Zjednoczenie, DJ Leo, Obora, Bass Medium Trinity, Babel Label, DJ Babylon Rocker & Missy M (Czech Rep.), Nekswan (France), Irieland (Germany), Kingstone, Pow Pow (Germany), Tricky D (Germany), Royal Crown (Canada), Lexo (Portugal), Ras Cricket & Diego Jah & E.C.U. (Sweden), One Love (Italy). Yellow SoundSystem Stage: filled gaps between concerts. Contest: Fire In The Hole (1st prize), Alicetea (special prize – vocalist Alicja), Bez Jahzgh, Erijef Massiv, R.A.G.A. Squad.
2009 Held on 14–16 August at the barracks. Contest: Raggamoova (1st prize), Enchantia (special award from Jamaican consul – singer Sara Brylewska), Creska, Czerniejewska, Sensithief. Red Stage: Babylon Raus, Jamal, Junior Stress, Maleo Reggae Rockers, Marika & Ruff Radics, Ragana, Rastasize, Rebellion, Tabu, Vavamuffin, Jah Live (Brazil), Kana (France), Tiken Jah Fakoly (France), Dubtonic Kru (Jamaica), Tosh Meets Marley (Jamaica), Rootz Underground (Jamaica), Ras Paddy & The Rockas (Nigeria), Junior Tschaka (Switzerland), Rebel Control (UK), Xova (UK), Yaz Alexander (UK). Green SoundSystem Stage: Ready For War, Jam Vibez, Soundz of Freedom, Singledread, Rah Rah Crew, DJ Set, Love Sen-C Music, Earl Jacob, MC Talib, Bigger Boss, Ras Bass, Roots Revival, Bob One, Joint Venture, Digitaldubs (Brazil), The Dynamics (France), Digital Roots Movement (Ireland), Mass Cypher (Jamaica), Mystic MC (Jamaica), Ranking Joe (Jamaica), Dubmatix (Canada), Collynization (Germany), Supersonic (Germany), SWS (Germany), City Lock (Germany), Pow Pow (Germany), Irieland (Germany), Hornsman Coyote (Serbia), Brother Culture (UK), Irration Steppas (UK), Over Proof Soundsystem (UK). Yellow SoundSystem Stage: filled breaks between concerts.
2010 Held on 12–15 August — the 10th anniversary edition. The opening contest for young bands was held on the pier of Lake Drwęckie. Participants: PaRasSol (1st prize), Far Away, Natural Mystic, Paihivo, Sharpi. Guests: Tabu, Pajujo. Habakuk and Alians celebrated 20 years. Red Stage: Cała Góra Barwinków, Dubska, EastWest Rockers, Habakuk, Junior Stress & Sun El Band, Konopians, Lion Vibrations, Paprika Korps, Paraliż Band, PaRasSol, Ragana, Ras Luta, Skankan, Vavamuffin, Dub Incorporation (France), No More Babylon (France), Bushman (Jamaica), Chezidek (Jamaica), Everton Blender (Jamaica), Jah Mason (Jamaica), Cornerstone Roots (New Zealand), Hornsman Coyote (Serbia), Soldiers of Jah Army (USA), The Aggrolites (USA), Zion Train (UK). Green SoundSystem Stage: Ras Bass, Roots Defender & Natty B., Real Cool, Kosmos Mega, Zjednoczenie, KaCeZet & Dreadsquad, Singledread, Kuba 1200, Love Sen-C Music, Rudebwoy Salute, Ready For War, Tisztelet, Splendid, Dancehall Masak-Rah, Kadubra Dynamite, Jabbadub, Dubbist, The Lordz, Radikal Guru, Joint Venture, Roots Revival, Digitaldubs (Brazil), Big Family (France), King Kalabash & Baron Black (France), Ras Zacharri (Jamaica), SWS (Germany), Sentinel (Germany), Pow Pow (Germany), Hornsman Coyote (Serbia), UK Roots Connection, The Scientist Soundsystem & 2 Kings & Prince Jamo (UK), YT (UK), Earl 16 (UK), Don Letts (UK), Mungos Hi-Fi & Soom-T & Kenny Knots (UK). Yellow Stage: operated mainly during breaks.
2011 Held on 11–14 August at the barracks. The event opened with a young bands' contest on the pier at Lake Drwęckie. Participants: Make Progress (1st prize), Bethel, Kuki Pau, Sound’s Good, Zebra. Final concert by Jafia Namuel, promoting their album One Love Train. A Reggae University operated during the festival.