Overview
With 100 percent of three-day tickets sold before the first lineup drop, Rhythm and Vines is once again one of the most anticipated events of festival season. Organisers have finally lifted the lid on the first roll call of acts, with 52 Kiwi performers confirmed to hit Gizzy for the country's longest-running music festival this December.
Rising global star Benee will be tasked with welcoming 2021 in the New Year's Eve headline slot. That shouldn't be an issue for the Auckland songwriter who has had one hell of a year with performances on Ellen and The Tonight Show, plus a viral TikTok hit. Expect to hear bangers like 'Supalonely', 'On an Island' and 'Soaked'.
Also at the top of the bill is seven-piece roots reggae act Fat Freddy's Drop, who return to Waiohika Estate for the first time in 15 years, plus 2020's breakthrough reggae band L.A.B, and legendary live drum and bass act Shapeshifter.
Other homegrown acts set to hit the stage during the three-day festival include local hip hop queen Ladi6, plus Auckland rapper JessB, drum and bass producers The Upbeats with MC Tali, and rising beatmaker Montell2099.
Overall, 52 acts will perform across five stages. A second and final release of acts is scheduled for November. With borders currently shut to international visitors, the festival has also released a statement about overseas artists.
RHYTHM AND VINES 2020 FIRST LINEUP
Benee
Fat Freddy's Drop
Shapeshifter
L.A.B
Quix
Montell2099
Ladi6
The Upbeats feat MC Tali
Chaos in the CBD
JessB
State of Mind
Mako Road
Wax Mustang
Aroha & Tali
Balu Brigada
Church & AP
Concord Dawn
Daffodils
Eastern Bloc
Foley
Harper Finn
High Hoops
K2K
Lee Mvtthews
Mermaidens
Otosan
Paige
Sin
The Leers
Trei & Jabz
Vayne
Witters
Aw B
Bloom
Bomtempo
Brook Gibson
Cassie Henderson
Illbaz
Katayanagi Twins
LA Women
Leaping Tiger
Lévyne
No Comply
Park Rd
Pollyhill
Poris
Sammie
Syrup
Teto
There's a Tuesday
Zeisha
Rhythm and Vines 2020 will take place at Gisborne's Waiohika Estate from 29–31 December. Limited single-day and accommodation packages are still available. For more information, visit rhythmandvines.co.nz.