Masia One Singapore’s ‘Far East Empress’ Takes Rototom Sunsplash + Represents Singapore on ‘Neighbourhood’

Masia One takes two stages at Rototom: a solo Dancehall Stage performance on Friday, August 21 alongside King Addies and Lady Leshurr, followed by a Dub Academy Stage collaboration with Indonesian soundsystem pioneers Yella Sky Sound on Saturday, August 22.

The performance marks the culmination of over a decade of foundational work. Through her project Singapura Dubclub, Masia has been instrumental in building reggae and dub culture across Southeast Asia—work that has finally earned Southeast Asian artists a place at one of the world’s biggest reggae stages.

“Rototom is the largest reggae festival in Europe. Having done so much foundational work for reggae music in Asia, it’s been my dream to experience this festival that celebrates culture, food, art, wellness, and promotes peace and human rights,” Masia explains. “Now, beyond my wildest dreams, I’m not only experiencing the festival—I get to perform two stages: Dancehall and Dub Academy, representing alongside Indonesian Soundsystem Yella Sky who has been a huge part of my journey in Southeast Asian music. I’m so grateful and excited to represent our Eastside to the fullest!”

The partnership with Yella Sky Sound traces back to 2015, when Masia One’s Singapura Dub Club organised the Bintan Dub Club on Indonesia’s Bintan Island—a moment that sparked a lasting artistic connection. Both acts are arriving at Benicàssim on the back of global runs: Yella Sky Sound at International Dub Gathering in Tarragona; Masia One at Glowball Festival in Taipei and Love & Nature Reggae Festival in Mongolia.

Masia One also features on the new single “Neighbourhood” by New Zealand artist Emma Dilemma (out now), a global collaboration spanning Christchurch, Auckland, Singapore, and St. Louis. Her verse on the track represents Singapore with uncompromising authenticity—the real sights, sounds, and speak of the Lion City beyond the polished CBD version.

“Emma came asking me to feature and represent my birthplace, Singapore,” Masia explains. “The first verse I submitted was pretty generic, and they sent it back—they didn’t want a run-of-the-mill radio pop hit. They wanted something AUTHENTIC.

I thought about what represents the real Singapura experience: the way I speak to my friends, the sights and sounds outside the CBD, all the weird quirky things that make the Lion City so unique. From the kepoh uncle to ah beng man yao music blasting, to how normal it is to have underwear hanging out your apartment window. My verse isn’t the curated, watered-down pretty face version we often hear in ‘Singapore Songs’—it’s the nitty gritty kampong baru vibes that make the Lion City so unforgettable and funny. All my Minahs HOLLER BACK!

In both these new steps, I recognise I’m being asked to step into a role representing my Southeast Asian roots in an authentic and raw way, in a unique sound only I could bring as an artist.”

About Masia One

The “Far East Empress” has spent over two decades breaking ground for Asian artists in genres historically with no space for them. In 2003, she became the first female rapper ever nominated for Best Rap Video at Canada’s MuchMusic Video Awards. Collaborations include Pharrell Williams and RZA, with music placed in Fast & Furious 8 and other major international productions. Multiple VIMA Southeast Asian Independent Music Awards winner including Best Hip-Hop Song and Best Collaboration.

Through Singapura Dubclub, she has built reggae and dub culture across Southeast Asia, establishing the region’s presence in the global reggae conversation.

Friday, August 21, 2026 – Dancehall Stage (Rototom Sunsplash, Benicàssim, Spain)
Saturday, August 22, 2026 – Dub Academy Stage with Yella Sky Sound (Rototom Sunsplash)

Single: “Neighbourhood”
Out Now – All streaming platforms
Featuring: Emma Dilemma, Dende the Sensei (Auckland), Masia One (Singapore), Jay Coast (St. Louis)