A beloved fixture in Jamaica’s reggae scene, singer-songwriter Tarrus Riley has produced plenty of hits over his two-decade career. But none have the staying power or the irresistible charm of “She’s Royal.”
The 2006 single — which racked up nearly 120 million streams on YouTube — has evolved into a modern reggae classic, spun at cookouts, weddings and parties around the world.
“All Caribbean women really, really go for that song,” says Danae Peart, a “very proud born Jamaican” and Toronto-based critic. “That song will still get the biggest forward in any party that it’s played at — like, constant pull-ups.”
This weekend, Riley brings that energy to the Little Jamaica Festival in Toronto, where he’ill perform alongside Dean Fraser and the Black Soil Band on Saturday evening. The free, family-friendly festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit of the York-Eglinton area known as Little Jamaica.
“Canada has always supported me and been there for me, and so it’s a pleasure to represent Jamaica here with a free show,” Riley told me over the phone this week.
In recent years, Little Jamaica — a historically Black neighbourhood in midtown — has been forced to contend with construction delays due to the beleaguered Eglinton Crosstown LRT, and the increasing pressures of gentrification. Jason McDonald, the Business Improvement Area chair for York-Eglinton, says the festival offers an opportunity to highlight Jamaican culture in Canada through music, dance, food and art, and for businesses to showcase their offerings to new visitors from across the city.
“This festival is not just an event,” said McDonald. “It’s a testament to the resilience and unity of our community, particularly during challenging times.”
Known for his uplifting performances and cross-generational appeal, Riley is a perfect headlining choice. The son of the late Jimmy Riley, who was among the first generation of reggae singers to break through internationally in the 1980s, the younger Riley is one of the genre’s finest ambassadors.
His music, Peart explained, seamlessly moves between the conscious lyricism of early reggae and the lovers rock that his father helped popularize. “He captures the spirit of reggae, but he also shows its evolution.”
Riley chatted over the phone from his rehearsal space in Kingston — his manager interrupted him in the middle of what to my ears sounded like a rendition of “Cherry Oh! Baby” by Eric Donaldson.
The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Hey Tarrus, how is your summer going so far?
Good afternoon! Wagwan! The summer is summering, man. I’m in rehearsal and we are feeling nice. Excited to see you all.
You’re performing this weekend at Little Jamaica Festival in Toronto. Do you have a connection with the city?
Every Jamaican has a connection with Toronto. You have to remember that a lot of Jamaican people leave and go to the U.S.A. or England or Toronto to make a better life. That’s why you have a concert there called Little Jamaica Festival, because we take over Toronto and make it into a likkle Jamaica.
Of course, you say ‘To-ron-no,’ but we say ‘To-ron-TO!’
Any strong memories of the city?
From day one of my musical career, Toronto has shown me a lot of love and support. It was one of the first places that I travelled to when I started to become more popular as an artist. Most definitely, we have very fond memories of Toronto, we’ve got lots of friends there.
Typically, when you come to Toronto, you play large, indoor clubs. This weekend’s performance is a free, outdoor show. Is the vibe different for these kinds of outdoors shows?
The people determine the vibes. I’m always giving it the same energy. But it’s nice to do something for free because we get to play for those people who might not get to see us when we do the concerts. Also it’s a daytime show, so the kids can come out. I keep my music fun, but it’s all extra clean, so everyone can have a great time.
Reggae music has evolved over the decades, morphing into different genres and styles. But your music feels very classic and true to the spirit of early reggae.
I believe that music is supposed to make people feel good. I’m here to lift your spirit. If you’re having a bad day, you’re supposed to be able to listen to Tarrus Riley and feel better.
Sometimes I speed it up, sometimes I slow it down, but the whole mission is to have people leave the concert feeling better than before. My music is like vitamins or like an energy drink.
The message is always the same: peace, take care of yourself, love your brother, love your sister, love your community, you know? Let the hungry be fed and the blind be led and just keep yourself going.
You have a handful of songs that Jamaicans and Caribbean folks around the world seem to know every word to. Why do you think you have such a broad appeal?
Hey, that’s a nice compliment. I always tell people I want all the ears I can get. I want all the ears in the world. I remember when I used to sing in the bathroom and in the shower, nobody would hear me. So now I don’t take it for granted that people are listening.
Do you feel like you’re at home when you’re in these little Jamaicas around the world?
Absolutely. Especially in Canada. I want to thank Canada, actually, because they have supported me from day one. We’re on a journey together. There’s no me without them.
