Musical Youth Announced for Skegness Reggae & Ska Festival 2026

Live on Sunday 5th July 2026

“This Generation Rules the Nation.”

We are incredibly proud to announce that reggae legends Musical Youth will be performing live on Day 3 of the Skegness Reggae & Ska Festival 2026, taking to the stage on Sunday 5th July 2026.

An act that helped define reggae’s global crossover moment, Musical Youth’s appearance at Reggae Skeggy 2026 represents a true celebration of heritage, culture, and timeless music — the perfect soundtrack to close the festival weekend.

From Birmingham Schoolboys to Global Reggae Icons

The year was 1982 when five school kids from Birmingham — Dennis, Michael, Kelvin, Patrick and Junior — burst onto the world stage and into music history.

With the immortal opening line “This Generation Rules the Nation”, Musical Youth released Pass the Dutchie, a record that would go on to dominate charts across the globe. Within two weeks of release, the single hit UK No.1 for three consecutive weeks, eventually selling over 5 million copies worldwide.

The song also made history in the United States, reaching No.10 on the Billboard Hot 100 — becoming the first reggae track to ever break the US Top 10.

Breaking Barriers & Making History

Musical Youth didn’t just top charts — they broke barriers.

In 1983, they became the first Black artists to appear on MTV, alongside a landmark appearance on Saturday Night Live. Over the following three years, the hits kept coming as they helped take reggae from the underground into the pop mainstream.

Classic singles include:

The Youth of Today, Never Gonna Give You Up, Heartbreaker, 007, Tell Me Why, Sixteen

Alongside two hugely successful albums — The Youth of Today and Different Style — Musical Youth cemented their place in reggae and pop history.

A Who’s Who of Musical Collaboration

During their rise, Musical Youth toured the world and rubbed shoulders with music royalty. They exchanged numbers with Michael Jackson, while Stevie Wonder wrote a song especially for them.

Collaborations followed with:

Irene Cara (Flashdance), Jody Watley (Shalamar), La Toya Jackson, Donna Summer, with the track Unconditional Love.

They also went on to headline legendary festivals including Reggae Sunsplash and the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival.

In 1984, their journey was recognised with a Grammy nomination for Best Newcomer, marking another historic moment in reggae’s global story.

Musical Youth Today

Musical Youth are still fronted by original lead singer Dennis Seaton, backed by a full live band, continuing to deliver the energy, positivity, and message that defined their early years.

Their album When Reggae Was King celebrates the songs and sounds that inspired a generation, paying tribute to reggae music’s global influence and cultural power.

In 2022, Musical Youth were honoured with an appearance at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony, a fitting recognition for a band so closely linked to the city’s musical legacy.

Now, as they tour internationally celebrating 40 years since the release of Pass the Dutchie, Musical Youth continue to unite fans old and new around the world.

Sunday 5th July 2026 – A Perfect Festival Finale

Musical Youth’s performance on Sunday 5th July 2026 promises to be a hands-in-the-air, singalong celebration — a moment where generations come together to share one of reggae’s most recognisable anthems.

For the Skegness Reggae & Ska Festival, it’s more than a booking — it’s a salute to reggae’s history, influence, and lasting legacy.

As the band themselves put it: “This Generation Rules the Nation.”

🎟️ Tickets for Skegness Reggae & Ska Festival 2026 are on sale now

📍 The Royal Hotel - Skegness, Lincolnshire

📅 Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th July 2026

Secure 2026 Tickets

Stay tuned for more artist announcements and festival news.

❤️💛💚Reggae Skeggy Vibes