Tarrus Riley - Staying True to Reggae Vibes

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Topic: Tarrus Riley - Staying True to Reggae Vibes

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Date: 10:08 02/25 2008

Tarrus Riley - Staying True to Reggae Vibes

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Tarrus Riley, Staying true to the Reggae Vibes

By: Kemesha Bolton

As we celebrate Black History/Reggae month, YardFlex takes time out to highlight some of the many persons who have contributed to the development of Reggae Music and empowerment of Black people world wide.

With these values and accomplishments in mind, YardFlex spoke with Tarrus Riley, one man whose music empowers the woman. He sings in a most enthralling and heartfelt way, reminding her that 'She's Royal.'

Just as poet John Bodely paints a realistic and uplifting picture in his verses of, 'A Strong Black Woman,' Tarrus draws for lyrics that inspire and elevate the woman. In 'A Strong Black Woman' Bodely wrote: "Regardless of blistered hands, aching back, weary knees, disfiguring frown, she was not allowed to sit down..." and ends with, "...a woman who is now henceforth and forever grateful, still fine and forever free."

In explaining what prompted his creation of "She's Royal," Tarrus Riley explained to YardFlex, "It's our culture and our reality. It's about [reversing] slavery. It is to make our women feel good about themselves. They are all Queens."

Of Reggae Month, Tarrus said, "I love it all for Reggae, we need more than one month for this, so that men like Delroy Wilson and Junior Byles can get the recognition dem really deserve."

Tarrus started doing music at age 13. He says "I preferred to DJ. I used to go to de studio wit mi fahda (Jimmy Riley), but mi neva interested in singing. Mi used to tink dat was a old man ting so mi listen Buju Banton, Shabba an dem man deh." He however learnt to love singing and after more than ten years at honing, developing and mastering his skills, is now one of the most sought after, reggae performers.

Tarrus feels indebted to his fans and accredits his immense success to them. It is not unusual to see him sitting patiently, signing autograph after autograph following a grueling show no matter how many fans line up. He said "mi grateful to mi fans. Mi a big fan of mi fans. Is dem buy mi CD, di music business belongs to dem. Dem buy di ringtones an come a di stage shows, so mi love dem." He also stated that he loves to sing now, "a singy singy mi name so mi ago sing foreva for mi fans."

Taking the opportunity to address the controversial misunderstanding that took place recently in Antigua, Tarrus said, "All dat happen was, Dean tell di MC to come off de stage and allow de youth to perform and him go fi some a him frens. I did not get to perform for my fans and mi really sorry fi dat cause mi love dem [the fans]."

Tarrus Riley is currently working with Dean Fraser and says "Dean is like a father to mi and a bredda: but when di studio door close, I am di student and him a di teacher."

As writer of nearly all the lyrics for his songs, Tarrus also helps to create the rhythms on his guitar or piano. He has signed a two year distributing deal with VP Records, and is involved in all aspects of his career. "I have to make good business decisions so that my music can last," he stated.

Despite all the fame, Tarrus remains humble and true to the spirit and message of Reggae Music.

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