With 7 full length critically acclaimed studio albums and one Ep., Tarrus Riley has separated himself from many of his reggae counterparts. One of the few to have a gold certification in the US (500,000 units Powerful, With Ellie Goulding), his music reaches far and wide and he has remained consistent since his entry into the industry circa 2006.
Tarrus has an affinity for making hits with an air of timelessness. His ability to lead the industry into multiple genres took shape with the Izzy Beats produced 2019 Ep B.L.E.M where he experimented with modern Afrobeats, R&B sounds infused with Reggae.
Then in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic the single Lighter, featuring Shenseea, was released off his 7th solo album “Healing” and went straight to No. 1 on the World Music Views YouTube chart in 8 countries. It is the last major hit reggae song in the Caribbean.
Tarrus is back on the road with intentions to tour the world. He pulls tens of thousands whenever he is on tour and his firsts top was in Costa Rica to headline the PIC-N!C Festival along with multi-platinum artist T-Pain, as well as reggaeton and latin artists Farruko, Juanes, Reik, Carlos Vives, Julieta Venegas, Manuel Turizo, Sech, Rauw Alejandro, ZOÉ.
@tarrusrileyja in Costa Rica last week (April 23) at the PIC-N!C Festival in the rain. pic.twitter.com/v2Vxp18xtv
— WMV (@worldmusicviews) April 26, 2022
“1st time doing this particular show, one of the biggest festivals inna Central America, but Costa Rica, I have been there before,” he says. He is easing back into the hang of things and is currently set to appear in 6 countries in 8 upcoming concerts.
The Just Love artist says, “tours are being planned but we are being specific on how, what, why, when, we move safety first of course.”
Even with an extensive album and singles catalogue, Tarrus, is committed to making more hits with reggae music and says he has more than enough music in the chamber to make 3 albums ready but he is waiting on the right time to drop another album.
“Reggae scene, our music is a powerful force and cannot be denied, let’s keep that in mind and let’s present the global stage with what we’ve got at the highest level.”
As the world opens up and more events pop up, promoters are still using more seasoned acts like himself to headline concerts, but Singy Singy says the younger generation of artists can do big stages, they just have to first do the work in order to live out their potential.
“New generation acts can do big tours, lots of them can but before tours make big music. Take it in stages, it’s a process. Make the music for the audiences you want to reach.”
He has been nominated for Best Reggae act at the MOBO Awards twice (2009 and 2014) and a Soul Train Music Awards nomination for Best Reggae Artist(2009).
He got silver and gold certifications in the US and UK but the She’s Royal artist has never been nominated for a Grammy which doesn’t seem to bother him much.
“I have no thoughts on the Grammys at all. Never was a big thought of mine. It’s good for who look at those things as achievement and prestige but for me honestly I was always more interested in the respect from my peers and my family in the industry from my roots. Respectfully.”
