Riley was born in The Bronx, New York on April 26, 1979, and raised in Jamaica. Growing up in a musical household, it was no surprise that Riley followed in his father’s footsteps. His father, Jimmy Riley, was a veteran reggae singer who had a strong influence on his son’s musical journey.
Tarrus Riley made his recording debut as a teenager and quickly made a name for himself in the reggae scene. In 2004, he released his debut album, “Challenges,” which showcased his powerful vocals and soulful lyrics. The album received critical acclaim and set the stage for Riley’s future success.
Throughout his career, Riley has consistently racked up awards for his exceptional work. His talent and dedication have earned him accolades such as Best Singer, Male Vocalist, Cultural Artiste, Song of the Year, and Best Song. Notable awards institutions that have recognized Riley’s talent include the Youth View Awards, The Star People’s Choice Awards, EME Awards, and the Reggae Academy Awards.
One of Riley’s most significant achievements was winning Jamaica’s CVM TV’s 15th Anniversary Award for the “Most Admired Song in the Past 15 Years” for his hit single, “She’s Royal.” This award solidified Riley’s status as a respected and admired artist in the reggae industry.
In 2009, Riley released his third album, “Contagious,” under Cannon Productions and distributed by VP Records. The album featured hit tracks like “Start Anew,” “Contagious,” and “Good Girl Gone Bad” featuring Konshens and Superman. Riley continued to dominate the charts with his 2010 release, “Protect the People,” which became a chart-topper in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Riley has shown a passion for educating the youth about Black History. This led him to create the Tarrus Riley Freedom Writers Competition, which ran on Jamaica’s Irie FM radio station. His commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of his culture is truly commendable.
Riley’s captivating performances have taken him to stages around the world, where he has received rave reviews from the media. His charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals have captivated audiences in the Caribbean, North America, the United States, and Europe. Riley’s annual European tours have seen him perform at major reggae festivals in various European countries, further expanding his international fanbase.
In addition to his live performances, Riley has collaborated with renowned artists and producers. One notable collaboration was with saxophonist and producer Dean Fraser on his 2014 album, “Love Situation.” The album, described as a tribute to the rocksteady era, featured guest appearances from U-Roy, Big Youth, Konshens, and Mr. Cheeks. “Love Situation” became Riley’s first album to reach number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
Riley’s talent extends beyond the reggae genre. In 2015, he collaborated with Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding on the song “Powerful,” which showcased his versatility as an artist.
In 2020, Riley achieved tremendous success with the hit song “Lighter,” a collaboration with producer Rvssian and dancehall artist Shenseea. The song became one of his biggest hits in the Caribbean and Jamaica, further solidifying his status as a reggae superstar.
Throughout his career, Riley has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. He has received numerous awards, including the Jamaica Observer Artiste of the Year in 2007, Cultural Artiste of the Year at the EME Awards in 2008 and 2011, and the UNIA Marcus Garvey Award for Contribution of Music in 2011.
For fans of reggae music and those looking to explore the vibrant Jamaican music scene, Tarrus Riley is a name that cannot be missed. With his soulful vocals, meaningful lyrics, and captivating performances, Riley continues to make a significant impact on the reggae genre and beyond.
For more information about Tarrus Riley and the latest updates on the reggae scene, visit www.purejamaicamedia.com your ultimate source for all things reggae.
