Jamaica’s Reggae Artist Tarrus Riley Creating New Waves

Ooo Ooo, Natural Beauty, You know, She is

No I never been someone shy

Until I seen your eyes

Still I had to try, yeah

Oh yes, let me get my words right and then approach you

Woman I’ll treat you like a man is suppose to

You’ll never have to cry, no

I know everyone can relate to when they find that special someone

— Tarrus Riley

The foregoing is the lyrics of a hit song titled, She’s Royal by Tarrus Riley.

This of course is just one of the many chart toppers the singer has had over the years.

The 36-year-old singer was born in Bronx, New York, but grew up in Jamaica. He is a member of the Rastafari movement, and the son of veteran Jamaican reggae singer Jimmy Riley.

Tarrus Riley has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, the latest is the 2014 MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin) for Best Reggae Act.

Riley has just concluded a tour dubbed “To Catch A Fire Tour” that has introduced him to new locations and fans in the United States.

The singer in this gig has shared the stage with the Marley brothers Damian and Stephen, as well as with Morgan Heritage and Black Am I.

“Is the first time I went places like Boise (Idaho), the Greek Theatre (in Los Angeles) an’ perform in Central Park. It’s good to know yuh have fans out there who neva si yuh before an’ dying to si yuh,” Riley reportedly told the press.

The “To Catch a Fire Tour” had its genesis on August 29 with Reggae in The Park at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Part of the highlight of the tour was his act at the annual Summerstage in Central Park.

The month-long tour culminated at the Greek Theatre, a 5,870-seat capacity theatre, located at Griffith Park, in Los Angeles, California on September 26.

Riley said the gig came about when he was approached to be a part of the showcase by Damian Marley.

“He was talking to mi casually ’bout going on the road for some time. Wi get to a point where everybody schedule mesh an’ things work out,” Riley said.

According to Riley, he and his Blakk Soil band got 30 to 45 minutes on stage.

The Jamaican reggae star is currently promoting his new song Powerful with British singer Ellie Golding. He has also performed recently alongside Rhythm and Blues singer Keith Sweat at L’Olympia in Paris.