DUB FX / Reggae Roots @ Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

Featuring Dub FX, Djinna and Dizza 1, Ombudsman, Bala Kaijo and Koahlition

Calling all Reggae Lovers out there

Ellis Beach Reggae Roots is back here to shake you out of your rainy season hibernation and bring some good vibes in the place. We have the privilege of hosting Dub FX live on our stage for a rare appearance in Cairns after many years.

Seeing Dub FX live is a one-of-a-kind musical experience — he’s a true live-looping pioneer who builds rich, layered tracks in real time using only his voice, beatboxing, effects pedals, and loop stations. What starts as a single beat or melody becomes a full-on groove right in front of your eyes, blending dub, reggae, hip-hop, drum & bass and more into an electrifying, immersive performance.

Dub FX is one of the original viral YouTube sensations, with over 300 million collective views, and has independently released multiple studio albums while selling hundreds of thousands of records — all without traditional radio or TV support.

His global reputation isn’t just online — he’s played countless international festivals, including Coachella, Glastonbury, Sziget, EXIT, Rampage, Woodstock, Neversea, Untold, SXSW, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) and many more across Europe, North America, and beyond.

Apart from our esteemed headliner, we’re bringing in local legends Koahlition — a band that needs no introduction to FNQ reggae lovers. Their live sets mix uplifting originals with classic reggae covers that get absolutely everyone moving. If you’re into feel-good music, dancing, and big positive vibes, Koahlition always delivers. They’ve been lighting up stages for decades with their signature Rainforest Reggae sound, and we can’t wait to move with them once again.

Bala Kaijo is one of Cairns’ rising Indigenous talents, bringing deep storytelling and emotion to every song he creates. Hailing from St Pauls Village on MOA Island in the Torres Strait, his music carries a strong sense of identity, culture, and connection. Guided by his totems — Dugong, Brown Snake (Thabu), Thupmul (Stingray), and Saara (Bird) — Kaijo blends tradition with a modern sound that leaves a lasting impression. Alongside performing, Bala Kaijo will also be your host for the evening.

Kicking off the night, we’ve got a vinyl set from Ombudsman — one of Kuranda’s Original Selectas and a longtime favourite of the local scene. He’s graced the decks at countless FNQ gatherings, including the iconic Kuranda Roots festival and he will be bringing his record crates out for everyone to enjoy. A perfect way to set the tone for the night. Dizza One and Djinna will also keep the vibes going with more Reggae and Afrobeats throughout the evening.