Omar "Tarrus" Riley was born on April 26, 1979, in the Bronx, New York, to veteran reggae singer Jimmy Riley and nurse Lavern Tatham. Raised in Jamaica, Tarrus was immersed in music from an early age, influenced by his father's illustrious career and his mother's encouragement. This rich musical environment nurtured his talents, leading him to make his recording debut as a teenager. In 2004, Riley released his debut album, "Challenges," which introduced his unique blend of roots reggae infused with contemporary sounds. However, it was his sophomore album, "Parables," released in 2006, that catapulted him to international fame.
The album featured the hit single "She's Royal," a tribute to the strength and beauty of women, which became an anthem and solidified his place in the reggae world. Riley's musical journey continued with the release of "Contagious" in 2009, an album that showcased his versatility and depth as an artist. Collaborating with producer Dean Fraser, the album included tracks like "Start Anew" and "Good Girl Gone Bad" featuring Konshens. His commitment to addressing social issues through music was evident in songs like "Protect the People" and "Shaka Zulu Pickney," reflecting his dedication to cultural consciousness. Throughout his career, Riley has amassed numerous accolades, including Best Singer, Male Vocalist, Cultural Artiste, and Song of the Year.
Institutions such as the Youth View Awards, The Star People's Choice Awards, EME Awards, and the Reggae Academy Awards have recognized his contributions. Notably, in 2009, he received Jamaica's CVM TV's 15th Anniversary Award for the "Most Admired Song in the Past 15 Years" for "She's Royal." In 2014, Riley released "Love Situation," a tribute to the rocksteady era, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. This album featured collaborations with legends like U-Roy and Big Youth, further cementing his status as a torchbearer of reggae music. His collaboration with Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding on the 2015 track "Powerful" expanded his reach to a global audience, blending reggae with electronic and pop elements. In 2020, amidst global challenges, Riley released "Healing," an album that addressed themes of resilience and hope.
The project included collaborations with artists like Shenseea and Rvssian, with the track "Lighter" becoming a significant hit in the Caribbean and beyond. This album marked his first full-length release in six years, reflecting his continuous evolution as an artist. Currently, Tarrus Riley remains an active and influential figure in the reggae scene. He continues to tour internationally, bringing his dynamic performances to audiences worldwide. His music, characterized by its soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, continues to inspire and uplift, staying true to the roots of reggae while embracing contemporary influences.
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