Przystanek Woodstock 2014: Manu Chao, Ska-P, Ky-Mani Marley and Protoje in Kostrzyn

MANU CHAO, SKA-P, KY-MANI MARLEY, PROTOJE

From 31 July to 2 August, we will meet, as every year, in Kostrzyn nad Odrą. Przystanek Woodstock 2014 is a feast for every music fan!

Manu Chao is undoubtedly an icon of the alter-globalisation movement. We will see him on stage on the festival’s second day! He is inspiring, creative and socially engaged like no other. His songs contain references to cosmopolitanism and militancy, and he can safely be considered one of recent history’s most influential musicians. Inspired by street culture, he draws as much as possible from local scenes across countries and nationalities. He is multicultural and multilingual, his music blending rock, reggae, punk and ska with rhythms from across the globe. He sings in English, Spanish, French, Italian and several other languages, often weaving them all into one song.

Manu Chao released his first solo album, “Clandestino”, in 1998, achieving spectacular international success. His second record, “Proxima Estacion: Esperanza”, recorded with Radio Bemba Sound System, appeared in 2001 and quickly became an enormous hit. Then came “Siberie m'etait Conteee”, his first entirely French-language album, followed by the hit “La Radiolina”. As in his Radio Bemba and Mano Negra projects, he is accompanied by guitarist Madjid, drummer Philippe Teboul and bassist Gambeat. Together, they present Manu Chao La Ventura, a rock quartet performing his most legendary, widely known songs alongside new, as-yet-unrecorded material.

An ambassador of the Reggae Revival movement and the frontman and leader of The Indiggnation, renowned for exceptionally energetic concerts, Protoje will visit Przystanek Woodstock 2014! His songs call for freedom and justice, seeking to stir the younger generation and encourage them to develop in a positive direction. He often refers to what he sees as the current decline of art, calling for social responsibility for the words spoken by artists.

Born in the 1980s, Oje Ollivierre admits that he should have been born at least two decades earlier. He is an icon of reggae’s new generation, tirelessly carrying the message of roots reggae in an era dominated by synthetic sounds. Bob Marley’s aim was to free people from mental slavery through music; Protoje’s is to free people from mental slavery through art, of which music is one form.

The artist has become a spokesperson for Reggae Revival, a movement uniting young musicians, writers, painters and literary figures who patiently waited their turn and are now taking the helm. His performance will offer an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the positive energy unmistakably felt in Protoje's rhythms. It simply has to be seen.

Ska-P are a Spanish group whose music straddles ska and punk rock, combining rhythmic melodies with engaged, anarchist lyrics. They have seven studio albums and three live releases to their name. Their latest album, “99%”, appeared in 2013, entering the Spanish sales chart at number three. Their songs focus primarily on social problems, frequently addressing human rights, injustice, fascism, anti-capitalism, anti-Zionism, anti-clericalism, marijuana legalisation and animal rights. This incredible group’s concert will get everyone dancing, so there is nothing to think twice about: see you in front of the stage!

Ky-Mani Marley is the star of the festival’s second day. Bob Marley’s son will present his own arrangements of his father’s songs alongside material from his own repertoire. Born in Jamaica in ’76, he moved to Miami at the age of 9. An acclaimed reggae artist, he began his career with “Like Father Like Son”, an album featuring covers of several Bob Marley songs. His next album, “Journey”, attracted less attention but received many favourable reviews. The following record, “Many More Roads”, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Reggae Album and firmly established his position in the reggae world. Ky-Mani sings about freedom and equality, values that clearly matter deeply to him. They have become his guiding principles, which he strives to communicate through his songs. Every reggae fan should mark 1 August in their calendar to make sure they do not miss this event.

Other performers include Coma, Budka Suflera, Skid Row, Lao Che, The Brew, Volbeat, The Bill, Skindred, Kapela ze Wsi Warszawa, Piersi, Tabu, Ukeje, Włochaty, The Bastard, Zmaza, Łzy, Ania Rusowicz, Kasia Kowalska, Enclose and Dr Misio.

Every year, Przystanek Woodstock brings together thousands of people who love music and a good time. It is called a festival of love for a reason: love, equality and freedom are values shared by its participants. Alongside the concerts, each year offers remarkable talks, which this time will feature speakers including Maria Czubaszek, Magdalena Środa, Wojciech Lemański, Agnieszka Holland and Piotr Rogucki.

We invite everyone to Kostrzyn nad Odrą from 31 July to 2 August! Do not miss these few days of incredible fun!