KV Reggae Fest is back with the biggest line up yet
On Saturday 16 May 2026, KV Reggae Fest returns for its third year, transforming the expansive beer
garden of The Friendly Inn in Kangaroo Valley into one of the South Coast’s most unique live music
experiences.
This year’s festival delivers its most ambitious line-up to date, headlined by Sub-Tribe (New Zealand),
whose bass-heavy live show has ignited stages across Europe and Australasia. They are joined by
Sydney’s Afro-Caribbean groove outfit The Strides and legendary Malian guitarist Moussa Diakite &
Wassado, bringing the hypnotic rhythms of Bamako to regional NSW.
Also on the bill are Wollongong favourites Ren & The Rudeboys & Beatmeisters, Sydney’s all-female
roots collective The Lady Beans, and Canberra’s genre-blending This Way Orkestra.
Just two hours from Sydney and Canberra, KV Reggae Fest proves that world-class music doesn’t
require city chaos — just fresh country air, a wide-open beer garden and a sound system built to do
the bands justice.
Gates open at 2pm, with music running through to midnight. Festival-goers can enjoy Jamaican
street eats, smoked BBQ, market stalls, workshops and kids’ activities — making it a genuine all-ages
event.
Tickets are priced at $55 for adults, $35 for teenagers and free for children under 12.
KV Reggae Fest 2026 is proudly supported through Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative.
THE LOCATION
Th Friendly Inn, 159 MOSS VALE ROAD Kangaroo Valley NSW – 2 hours from Sydney & Canberra
THE LINE UP
SUB-TRIBE
From the raw, roots-driven frequencies of Aotearoa (New Zealand) comes SUB- TRIBE. Rolling in thick with bottom end, glitchy beats and soaring harmonies, expect to be taken on a journey across genres. From blues drenched dub, chunky skank reggae to jazz hop and ragga dancehall, SUB-TRIBE leave no groove base unturned. This 7-piece dub-fusion outfit offer a distinctive and exciting approach to the bass and reggae culture movements with captivating, high-energy live performances and feel-good vibes that leave crowds skanking for more.
THE STRIDES
Hailing from Sydney, The Strides embodies Reggae power. Led by Bajan roots man ‘Ras Roni’, Fijian MC ‘LTL GZeus’, and Sierra Leonean ragga powerhouse ‘Blacker C’, they offer an explosive, authentic musical blend of classic roots reggae with hip-hop nuances, their sound fuses dance hall, dub beats, and reggae-pop. With 17 dynamic years on stage, The Strides have rocked Australia’s major festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Blues and Roots, and WOMAdelaide. Sharing stages with legends including Tony Allen, Julian Marley, Groundation and Third World, this 9-piece powerhouse stands as a reggae icon. Through a fusion of cultures and instrumentation, they unite under a universal consciousness, cementing their status as a global musical institution.
MICHAEL ST GEORGE
Michael St. George is a Jamaican-born, Australia-based reggae singer, songwriter, and dub poet known for his socially conscious music focusing on justice, healing, and spirituality. With over five albums, he blends reggae with world beats to promote self-elevation and cultural awareness.
Moussa Diakite and Wassado
Moussa Diakite is a guitarist, singer and composer born in Mali, now based in Western Sydney who plays a combination of Malian, Congolese, Highlife, Afro Beat, Cuban, Blues, and Jazz. Moussa Diakite played in the iconic Afro-Latin “Rail Band” and also played in bands with with Grammy Award-winning Kora player, Toumani Diabate, and Salif Kieta. Moussa has just released his 3rd album “Blue Magic” available on streaming services.
Ren & The Rudeboys
Ren and the Rudeboys hailing from Dharawal land on the coast of NSW, formed accidentally from a bunch of chance encounters and conversations ending in ‘good to see you dude, let’s jam soon’. A couple of jams led to a broth of Skanky Rudegirl Rebel Dub. With long expired teen angst, Ren and the Rudeboys have established a unique high energy sound by submerging into reggae, punk, rock, ska and dub. All the while using great manners with a terrible attitude.
This Way Orkestra
Canberra’s very own enclave of Afrobeat + Ska + Reggae sounds – this 9 piece orchestra combines the mighty Afro-Funk of Nigeria’s Fela Kuti with tight brass section and heavy jazz + ska grooves! (Formerly NYASH!)
Originally formed in 2012 by Nicholas Combe and Simon Milman – two stalwarts of the local jazz and reggae scene in Canberra – the band recorded their debut EP in the same year and played around the ACT and South Coast before both Nicholas and Simon moved overseas – one to Jogyakarta and one to Buenos Aires. 7 years later and back in their hometown – the band has reformed with original members and some great new additions.
This new band is blessed with the musical wizardry of members of Zambezi Sounds, Los Chavos, Dub Dub Goose, Dubba Rukki and The Ellis Collective – From West Belconnen to West Africa and beyond, this musical collective will keep your nyash shaking!
Beatmeisters
Drawing heavily on the traditions of African drumming interspersed with Latin and Arabic influences and utilising melodic percussive instruments from all corners of the globe the Beat Meisters never fail to get the punters jumping and the good vibes pumping.
The Lady Beans
An all‑female collective blending Reggae, Soul, Hip Hop and World Music into a powerful, culturally rich sound. Their performances honour women in music, creative expression, and unity across cultures.
Liven Roots
