New Year, New Energy!

The beginning of 2025 marks a special moment for international music lovers with the arrival of SUBCAMP Festival at The Frog Cabana, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. For three full days, from January 17 to 19, this festival celebrates the unifying power of music within a global community.

Organized by two influential collectives, Million Cat HiFi and Gonja HiFi, both rooted in the sound system culture of dub and reggae, this year’s festival carries the theme “Family Run Tingz.” It is an open invitation to embrace unity and collective energy within the sound system movement.

SUBCAMP 2025 presents a stellar lineup of international acts, including Sinai Sound, Hanamercy, and Green King Cuts from the UK, alongside Bim One Production “1TA” from Japan. The festival also features exclusive performances from Bimjo, King Kong Killa, Sista Zine, Bangsaen Dub, 46.000 Bwoy Sound System, Jamon, Kelly K, Selecta Kuggah, Muang Ake Sound Sound System, Duffin Jame, Ras Chanon, Dapookster A.K.A The Sticky Rice, Papa Kai, Wicked T (Thailand), Langkawi Dub Club (King I & Miroll), Aman Damai Sound, Sticky Keys (Malaysia), Red I & Soulsteppa (Philippines), DJ Animal & Olbi Iyah (UK) Refugee Sound (Bahrain), Rising Fyah Sound (Switzerland) Elki Hi Fi (Russia), Oomboi Lauw (Netherland) Yella Sky Sound, Roadblock Dub Collective and Mantasticmate plus Dave Baransano from Indonesia. 

For three days straight, the festival will pulsing with the deep vibrations of Jamaican-inspired sounds, from roots reggae and dub to drum & bass and beyond. Expect a diverse range of performances—from selectors commanding the decks with their exquisite vinyl collections to digital sets by producers and mesmerizing live acts.

Kinsfolk Energy

As a media partner for this festival, Kultur witnessed and experienced this exhilarating three-day musical celebration firsthand. The excitement was palpable from the start, with Million Cat HiFi and Gonja HiFi proving to be exceptional hosts. The spirit of Thailand’s “Land of Smiles” was really-really-present there, as festival attendees from across the globe—hailing from Finland, the UK, Bahrain, Siberia, Malaysia, China, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy—were warmly welcomed.

This sense of unity continued upon arrival in Nakhon Ratchasima, the largest province in northeastern Thailand. The dedicated SUBCAMP 2025 crew went above and beyond to accommodate their guests, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience.

The festival kicked off on the first night with an unforgettable dancefloor setup facing a serene lake, illuminated by the glow of a full moon. The grassy dancefloor became something special, energized by masterfully curated sets. Though the official performances ended at midnight, the SUBCAMP spirit remained alive—most attendees gathered around a bonfire, fueled by an unexpected drop in temperature to 10 degrees Celsius. A stark contrast for those accustomed to the usual 34-degree tropical heat!

Everywhere, connections were being formed—merchandise was exchanged, conversations sparked about everything from Bob Marley’s take on Don Drummond’s blaring techniques to the crucial role of sub-bass in shaping the dancefloor experience. Million Cat HiFi and Gonja HiFi set the tone for the festival, ensuring each moment was truly memorable.

The sense of collective energy remained solid throughout the three days. One of the festival’s most remarkable aspects was how the performers seemed to speak the same language—a shared frequency, the language of music, the language of dub, the very essence of sound system culture. This was evident in how they prepared and supported each other’s sets, embodying an ethos that truly defined the spirit of SUBCAMP 2025.

Sounds That Bridge the Souls

To close this review, one question remains: “Are you ready to experience even deeper vibrations and forge unforgettable connections?”

Make sure to be part of something even bigger, bolder, and more electrifying at SUBCAMP 2026. As Jah Shaka once said, “It’s a message we’re carrying, not just a sound.” Come, listen, and be part of the movement. See you next year!

(Sam)