Tarrus Riley

The son of reggae legend Jimmy Riley, singer Tarrus Riley has upheld his family legacy by becoming one of Jamaica’s boldest performers. ∙ Challenges, Riley’s 2004 debut album, was produced by the legendary Jamaican sax player Dean Fraser. ∙ He was awarded 2007 Artiste Of The Year by Jamaican Observer for his 2006 album, Parables. ∙ “Start a New,” his 2009 single about a woman leaving an abusive relationship, inspired his anti-domestic violence campaign, performing at schools and talking with children about the issue. ∙ A long-time student of political activist Marcus Garvey’s works, Riley won the 2011 Marcus Garvey Award for his contribution to “the tradition of teaching and inspiring through music.” ∙ His 2014 collaboration with Dean Fraser, Love Situation, which he describes as “a true tribute to the rocksteady era,” gave him his first No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart. ∙ Along with Ellie Goulding, Riley featured on Major Lazer’s 2015 single “Powerful,” which became his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100.