Irie Jam Media and Black Emperor Entertainment are pleased to announce that they have added Roots Reggae soldier Tarrus Riley to the line-up of Irie Jamboree 2009. Fresh off of the launch of his brand new album Contagious, Riley will be featured along with Roots chanters Etana, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Gramps Morgan, Natural Blacks, Ras Shiloh, Bushman, and Ras Penco in the Jamboree segment dedicated to showcasing the powerful voices of Roots Reggae. Irie Jamboree 2009, accenting the history of Reggae music, will take place on Sunday, September 6th at York College's Outdoor Complex in Jamaica, NY.
"Tarrus Riley is one of the most powerful voices in Reggae right now," states Irie Jamboree executive Louis Grant. "Tarrus is a heavy-hitting talent, and we are excited about his performance on Irie Jamboree 2009."
Tarrus Riley (born Omar Riley) is the son of veteran Jamaican singer Jimmy Riley, formerly of the vocal trio The Uniques, and nurse Lavern Tatham; he therefore refers to his songs as "healing music." While Tarrus recorded his earliest singles as a precocious teenager for his father's Love and Promotion label, it was his mother who played the primary role in encouraging his musical talents.
Impeccably produced by legendary musician Dean "Sax" Fraser, Tarrus released his debut album Challenges in 2004 (re-released by VP Records in 2008) yielding several Jamaican hits including the unwavering Rastafarian statement "Barber Chair" and a joyous celebration of music "Take Me Higher". In October 2006, he released his sophomore album Parables, also produced by Fraser, which Billboard Magazine cited as "the quintessence of Jamaica's Roots Reggae revival". The album yielded chart toppers such as the touching acoustic tribute to his infant daughter "Can't Sleep", a haunting reggae rendition of John Legend's "Stay With You" and the indomitable "She's Royal" which extols female regality and made Tarrus Riley a household name across the Caribbean. "She's Royal" won almost every music award for which it was nominated throughout the year, including a six trophy royal sweep at Jamaica's inaugural Reggae Academy Awards in February 2008. Tarrus's latest album Contagious was released by VP Records earlier this month, and contains the hit single "Human Nature," a soul-stirring rendition of late Pop King Michael Jackson's original 1983 hit.
Presented by Irie Jam Media and Black Emperor Entertainment, Irie Jamboree 2009 will be held at York College's Outdoor Complex on Sunday, September 6th. Featured acts include Tarrus Riley, Sean Paul, Freddie McGregor, Ken Boothe, Sugar Minott, T.O.K. Queen I-frica, Etana, Vegas, Gramps Morgan, Spice, Assassin, Laden, Chino, Anthony Cruz, Pinchers, Tony Rebel, Natural Black, Ras Shiloh, Bushman, Ras Penco, Shinehead, Flourgon, Lady G, Daddy Lizzard, and more. Tickets are currently on sale for $59.99 (general admission) and $99.99 (VIP). For ticket information or information about vending, contact Irie Jam Media at 1-888-IRIENYC (474-3692) or log on to www.iriejamboree.com.
