There’s a red/yellow/green heart beating in syncopation at the heart of the Venetian Carnival. It’s the heart of Rasta Snob, the only reggae magazine in Italy since 1988, returning once again with its Afro Reggae Spot – the city’s most vibrant, explosive, and exhilarating (and free!) Carnival Festival. Starting from 8 PM in front of ZanziBar in Campo Santa Maria Formosa, a roaring dancefloor will set the stage for six nights of live music, featuring special guests and plenty of good vibes!
PROGRAM:
Thursday, February 27
DJ NINA KIPIANI – Afroteque Night
Born in Cameroon, raised in Paris, and now based in Rome, DJ Nina Kipiani blends a rich mix of cultural influences into her unique style: from ancestral African sounds to electronic beats, passing through afro-beats and amapiano. Her musical universe is a journey where tradition and innovation merge into a unique artistic fusion.
A weekly resident DJ at Rome’s Room26 (Milkshake Party) and Qube Club (Evolution Party), she has left her mark on Venice’s Carnival and Biennale, as well as at top urban clubs across Italy, Paris, and European cities like Ibiza.
Since fall 2023, she has been the official ambassador for Sony Italy’s Afro-beats/Amapiano sector, also curating the official Spotify playlist.
Friday, February 28
ONE LOVE HI-POWA – The Italian Dancehall Godfather
Italy’s first-ever sound system, based in Rome, One Love Hi-Powa has been active since the late ’80s, bringing Jamaican artists to Italy and featuring in radio shows, parties, and international clashes. In 2005, they became the first European sound system invited to Montego Bay’s legendary Death Before Dishonor clash.
Unforgettable was their 2010 victory at London’s World Tag Team Clash, alongside David Rodigan and Bass Odyssey. That same year, they were awarded Most Popular Sound System at the International Reggae And World Music Awards in New York City.
In 2023, they celebrated their 30-year career, and every new One Love dancehall session continues to make waves.
Saturday, March 1
VIA SERI & ROSE BERÈ – Amapiano Invasion
Based in London, making their Italian debut, and key players in Europe’s amapiano scene, DJ Via Seri and vocalist Rose Berè boast an impressive track record, having performed at venues like Studio 338, Ministry of Sound, and Fabric, as well as major events like Piano People, Dankie Sounds, and Amafest. They’ve also collaborated with icons such as Black Coffee.
The chemistry between the two ignites an energy that creates a special connection with the audience – more than just a party, it’s a full experience. That’s exactly what amapiano is all about.
Sunday, March 2
DJ JESA – Dancehall Meets Amapiano
Of Eritrean heritage, DJ Jesa is the mastermind behind LIT, Naples’ only weekly club night dedicated to dancehall, afro-beats, and amapiano. His event has become a national reference point, thanks to an innovative approach inspired by the European and international clubbing scene.
A leading DJ in Naples’ hottest parties over the past decade, he was named Best DJ in Campania in 2017. His distinctive style has seen him open for international stars such as Chris Brown, Sean Paul, DJ Premier, and Omah Lay.
Monday, March 3, 2025
SIR OLIVER SKARDY
Opening act: Lele Concina
An intergenerational artist who needs no introduction.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ossigeno, the legendary frontman of Pitura Freska will take the stage at the Venice Carnival Festival, performing all the hits that made Made-in-Venice Reggae history.
This will be his only exclusive Carnival date, and opening the show will be another “Venice Lion”: Lele Concina.
Tuesday, March 4
LITTLE LION SOUND – The Int’l Urban Dubplates Master
Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2004, Little Lion Sound is rooted in reggae music while seamlessly blending dancehall and afro-beats—this mastery of fusion is their signature sound. Legends like Capleton and Sizzla have recorded in their studio, now one of Europe’s key hubs for reggae music. Since 2013, they have co-founded Evidence Music, a label that has worked with artists like Shaggy, Konshens, and Shenseea, with nearly 5,000 releases in a decade, shaping the genre’s future. Every recording from their studio becomes an anthem, with viral video versions lighting up social media.
DAILY RESIDENCY:
DJ GUSMA T & STEVE GIANT
