In 2007 I watched Tarrus Riley’s  performance at Sumfest and stated that another Reggae Star was born.  Tarrus Riley is now a shooting star moving fast in the reggae galaxy.

A performance par excellence!!!!  With the tightest set of all the reggae acts I have seen so far, he displayed his showmanship, command of stage and audience,  with us singing his songs word for word.  His picks from the new album Contagious was just that contagious…. during She’s Royal silver confetti were blown into the crowd from two blowers stage left and right.  His entire set was for me remniscent of vintage Dennis Brown a al Reggae Sunsplash — not too much talking and segueying into each song seamlessly…..naturally, this is due to Dean Fraser’s input no doubt….. having Dean on stage for any performer is a terrific musical addition.

The Gleaner reporter described Jah Cure’s performance as sizzling and “arguably reggae’s premier star”.  I look forward to how he will describe Tarrus’ performance.

The newly crowned King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man was shown in the VIP/Press section rocking to Riley’s songs….. in fact when Tarrus and Dean were doing their sing-off/blow-off, Tarrus looked right at Beenie Man and hummed the melody from who have the keys to mi bimmer?… and Dean answered by blowing back….na, na, na, na….

Up next is Toni Braxton.