Fantan Mojah has emerged as one of the biggest surprises at the massive two-week-long Rototom Sunsplash festival 2005, being staged in Osoppo, just outside Venice, Italy, despite the presence of numerous international reggae and world music stars.

Mojah. performed for a crowd of 70,000

Mojah's brilliant performance last Monday night is being hailed as one of the highlights of the event so far.

Appearing for the first time in front of a crowd of some 70,000 at the festival, Mojah rocked the venue with his numerous hits including Hungry and Hail The King.

"This is my first time in Italy, but I really love the joy, it's just more love," Mojah commented after his performance. "When I see the crowd rocking to the music I just have to give thanks."

Andrew Prendergast, DownSound Records executive said that the entire performance was positive and explosive and paid tribute to Mojah's superb handling of the stage.

The event also features Third World, Angelique Kidjo, Half Pint, Glen Washington, Anthony B, Morgan Heritage, John Holt, Gregory Isaacs, Uroy, Richie Spice, Turbulence, Black Uhuru, Ken Boothe, Lucky Dube, Jimmy Cliff and Barrington Levy.

Several top sound systems from around the world, including Jahcoustix, House of Riddim, Soundsgood International, One Love Hi Powa, Mass Fi Mass, Bass Odyssey, Fatman Hi-Fi, Rootsman, David Rodigan, Asher, Freddie Kruger and Junior Killa are also in the line-up.

This year's festival is dedicated to Mother Earth, "which is facing an emergency that cannot be ignored in an age that has torn asunder the relationship between humans and the natural at alarming speed," said the promoters of the event.

"In the seminars we talk about earth, food, future cities, but like every year, a couple of mentions must be made about Jamaica. A land so loved but so little known," said a spokesman for the promoters.

Feeding the multitude

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