From July 23 to July 25, Kortemark once again becomes the epicenter of roots, reggae and soundsystem culture. VZW Greenforward presents a new edition of the Irie Vibes Roots Festival. Bringing three days filled with music, community and heavyweight sound. The festival traditionally kicks off on Thursday with Kortemark Congé. Friday is fully dedicated to soundsystems, and Saturday delivers the ultimate roots and reggae celebration. Featuring a powerful mix of live concerts and soundsystem sessions.
THURSDAY, JULY 23 – KORTEMARK CONGÉ
Irie Vibes kick things off the way it should be: free entry and full of energy. Our doors are open to everyone who wants to dance — locals and visitors alike, young and old, everyone is welcome. At the campsite, the first basslines will start rolling with Anahata Soundsystem and Mediroot.
From 6 PM, our cozy festival grounds offer a unique opportunity to experience the pure Jamaican soundsystem vibe. The Brussels-based 54 Sound will provide deep bass and conscious vinyl selections throughout the evening and night. A vibe you don’t just hear, but truly feel.
Meanwhile, in the Lion’s Den Festival Tent, you can enjoy the uplifting grooves of Kokonuts and live performances from the winner of our vi.be contest, the band Rasolution (known for opening shows for Metejoor), and Mood Collector from the Kempen region.
A unique chance to discover the authentic Jamaican soundsystem experience: deep bass, vinyl selections and an atmosphere you don’t just hear — you feel it.
In short, Kortemark Congé is not a warm-up, but a powerful opening night for three days of roots and bass.
FRIDAY, JULY 24 – SOUNDSYSTEM NIGHT
Friday is fully dedicated to the essence of Jamaican soundsystem culture: custom-built speaker stacks, vinyl and dubplates — heavyweight bass, conscious lyrics, energetic toasters, and above all a strong and inclusive community.
At the campsite, Crucial Soundsystem will act as the morning wake-up call. Together with their guests from Tenement Showcase, they will set the first vibes of the day. Later on, Banton Boom Bike spreads pop-up Jungle and R&B parties across the festival grounds, creating spontaneous dance moments throughout the site.
The heart of the night beats inside the Lion’s Den, where the legendary Blackboard Jungle Soundsystem (16 scoops) hosts the entire evening. They bring along Marky Lyrical from Canada and Sistah Jahia from Guadeloupe as vocalists.
Together with NicoZen and Ital Power, two additional crews join the session to completely ignite the tent. Driving rhythms, powerful toasts and deep basslines create the perfect soundsystem explosion for every lover of pure roots and dub.
SATURDAY, JULY 25 – ROOTS & REGGAE VIBES GALORE
Saturday reaches its full crescendo with a powerful mix of live concerts and soundsystem sessions.
On the Inner Lion stage, Earth-Tone Soundsystem from Kortrijk, Unlisted Fanatic, and Gladdy Wax — a pioneer in reggae and soundsystem culture for more than 50 years — will deliver uncompromising sessions between the live performances, sending the dancefloor into orbit.
Inside the Lion’s Den, the line-up stands strong from start to finish. With an infectious blend of ska, rock, world music and chanson française, Skarbone14 has been conquering stages across Europe, Canada and even Burkina Faso for years. This year, they celebrate their 25th anniversary at the Irie Vibes Roots Festival.
With her warm, soulful voice and irresistible stage presence, Sara Lugo has grown into a staple of the international reggae and soul scene. Afterwards, the festival presents an exclusive performance by the Beljam Roots Collective. Expect a high-energy live roots experience featuring Xanjah, Saimn-I and Collieman on vocals, joined by special guest GT Moore.
This year’s headline act is Cimarons Meet Lone Ark, a unique collaboration between the legendary UK reggae heritage of The Cimarons and the contemporary roots productions of Roberto Sanchez. A set that resonates with both lovers of classic reggae and a new generation of fans.
And we close the festival the proper way: with Hitman & Fiza Soundsystem. This duo brings together two passionate soundsystem and studio enthusiasts who built their own system from a love of vintage equipment. Resulting in a distinctive and powerful sound to end the night.
