Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Launches Global Summer Campaign

/0 Comments/in /by

Photo Caption: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority yesterday launched its global summer advertising campaign. The ‘AND’ theme highlights the luxury and authenticity of this twin island nation (Photo Courtesy: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority)

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (June 28, 2022) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority yesterday launched its global summer advertising campaign which highlights the luxury and authenticity of the destination. The twin island nation is looking to capture consumer hearts and minds in what is predicted to be a competitive market as consumer become more discerning and value conscious with their vacation spending.

Each facet of the campaign images focuses on the word ‘AND’ to highlight the breadth and depth of the authentic travel experiences available on Antigua and Barbuda, as well as reinforce and reflect the strength of the product offering as a two-island nation.

Commenting on the campaign, Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda says, “It was vital for us to launch a campaign for the summer which communicates our unique offering as a holiday experience and so we are delighted that this is reflected in the look and feel of our new digital and social advertising imagery.

It has all been carefully curated so that the consumer can be in no doubt that Antigua and Barbuda offers the perfect combination of luxury and value – experiences which create priceless memories within a relaxing and authentic environment.”

Every digital and social media asset of the campaign is set around four main image themes designed to illustrate the range of experiences available on Antigua and Barbuda. They are: ‘Enjoy Carnival’, ‘Stunning Islands’, ‘Gorgeous Beaches’ and ‘Gourmet Seafood’.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority added “The campaign shows how much Antigua and Barbuda has to offer as a destination in a totally ownable and memorable way. The answer was in the name – and the logo. The ‘AND’ provides us with a vehicle to showcase the islands’ many sides – and say ‘why compromise when you can have everything?”
The campaign will be delivering millions of digital impressions, across the various source markets and is designed to reflect all that Antigua and Barbuda has to offer in a distinctive and memorable way. The modern traveler is looking for luxury as well as authenticity and luckily on Antigua and Barbuda, they don’t have to make a choice as they can have it all!

For imagery, click here and view the video assets here.

For more information on Antigua and Barbuda visit here.

###

ABOUT THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority is a statutory body dedicated to realizing the tourism potential of Antigua & Barbuda by promoting the twin island state as a unique, quality tourist destination with the overall objective of increasing visitor arrivals thereby providing sustainable economic growth. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is headquartered in St. John’s Antigua, where regional marketing is directed. The Authority has three offices overseas in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/antiguabarbuda; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntiguaBarbuda/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda/

FOR ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Maria Blackman
Marketing Communications Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com

Antigua and Barbuda Images: aandbtourism.fotoseeker.com

Munga Honorable kicks off summer with ‘Bad From Mi Born’ birthday party

/0 Comments/in /by

June 17, 2022. Kingston, Jamaica. – International dancehall artist Munga Honorable kicked off the summer with his 1st staging of his annual ‘Bad From Mi Born’ birthday-party-turned-stage-show held at Pagee Beach in Port Maria, St. Mary on Saturday June 11, 2022.

Damian Rhoden, more popularly known as Munga Honorable, has always been one to make powerful moves when it comes to his career. The eloquent street smart Dancehall DeeJay has an infectious flow and hardcore rhymes.

The ‘Bad From Mi Born’ DeeJay had a venue filled with patrons rocking, singing and dancing to the popular songs from some of the hottest entertainers in the industry. The event featured several exciting performances from heavyweights such as Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Aidonia, Charly Blacks, Jahshi and Munga Honorable himself. Upcoming artists such as Risin Son, Natural Flames, Ski Gad Gaado and Danii Boo were also present at Munga Honorable’s ‘Bad From Mi Born’ event.

As promised, all the featured artists were all present, thus in ‘historic dancehall fashion’ a spontaneous freestyle took place to the delight of the patrons. With the musical support of Dj Mental, Chubb Rock, Badda Bling & Niney from ‘Di Unit’ soundsystem.

Following the day of his event Munga Honorable also made a special guest appearance at Bounty Killer’s ‘It’s a Party’ 50th birthday celebration held at The Digicel Headquarters in Downtown, Kingston on Sunday June 12, 2022.

What’s next for Munga Honorable? A new album, an international collab, several shows and appearances throughout the summer, his annual back-2-school treat in August and more productions from his record label Hilltop Records.

Patrons can look out for the next staging of ‘Bad From Mi Born’ in June 2023.

Hilltop Records 2022

Sean Kingston The Road to Deliverance Tour 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Friday, August 5, 2022

Sony Hall
235 West 46th Street New York, NY, 10036

Doors: 6:00pm / Show: 8:00pm

General Admission – Standing Room
• $35 Advance / $45 Day of Show
• Limited Seating Available First Come, First Served

VIP Side Wing Seating
• $75 Advance / $85 Day of Show
• Includes Guaranteed Seating in Designated Section

• Full Dinner Menu Available
• All Ages

www.seankingstonmusic.com

Buy Tickets

————————————————————–
BIO

Having dedicated nearly his entire life to music and achieving superstardom when he was just 17, Sean Kingston has amassed an untold amount of experience as a singer/songwriter over the years. On his third full-length album Back 2 Life, he builds on that experience by greatly expanding his songwriting role, nixing the multi-producer approach of his last release, and pushing for a fresh new sound. Like his 2007 self-titled debut (featuring the double-platinum breakout hit “Beautiful Girls”) and sophomore album Tomorrow (featuring the smash singles “Fire Burning” and “Face Drop”), Back 2 Life fuses reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and electro to create melody-soaked pop.

All throughout Back 2 Life, Kingston boldly proves how far he’s come since he first began recording songs on the tiny personal studio his mother bought him when he was 11 years old. Back then, Kingston would whip up his own reggae-pop hybrids and perform them at local block parties and talent shows in Miami (to which he returned after spending several years living with his family in Ocho Rios, Jamaica). But when his mother was convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud and sent to federal prison, the 15-year-old Kingston had to put his music dreams on temporary hold. After a brief period of homelessness, Kingston began bouncing around the homes of his friends and relatives and ultimately landed a lawn-mowing job to earn the money he needed to make a demo.

Thanks largely to Kingston’s dogged persistence in pursuing every hit-making producer he could find online, that demo ended up getting him signed to Rotem’s then-newly-launched label Beluga Heights in 2006—a deal quickly followed by a joint contract with Epic Records and the release of a debut album that went on to sell more than a million copies worldwide, and spawn three back-to-back Top 10 singles. Kingston released his follow-up album Tomorrow in 2009.

With a voracious appetite for music including “everything from Taylor Swift to Ne-Yo to Musiq Soulchild to Paramore”—as well as a deep reverence for artists like Bob Marley, Outkast, and Lauryn Hill—Kingston has broadened his musical role by serving as a songwriter for such performers as Jason Derulo (“What Ya Say”) and Iyaz (“Replay”) and discovering new musical talents (including Iyaz, whom Kingston found online and signed to his Time Is Money Entertainment label). Still, having sold more than 12.5 million tracks to date, Kingston’s top priority is continually elevating his own music into new and unexpected territory.

What Yuh Know? TEMPO Networks taps Daniel Loveless To be Host of Hot Ones Caribbean – Now you know!

/0 Comments/in /by

May 7th, 2021 (Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.) – TEMPO Networks is thrilled to announce that the host of Hot Ones Caribbean will be none other than Daniel Loveless of the super-popular web series, What Yuh Know?. No stranger to asking interesting questions, Daniel is sure to put Hot Ones Caribbean celebrity guest on the spot, in the Hot Seat, keeping viewers well in the know.

If there were a Caribbean name synonymous with a TV show based on questions and answers, Daniel Loveless would be it. The twenty-two-year-old comedic personality has built his widely successful entertainment career on asking complete strangers a diverse range of trivia questions on his hit YouTube entertainment series, What Yuh Know? He has travelled to over 26 destinations worldwide producing content and has amassed a following of over 800,000 across platforms and 28 million views on YouTube.

When asked why he agreed to host Hot Ones Caribbean, Daniel indicated “I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to be selected by TEMPO Networks as the host of Hot Ones Caribbean. As a media personality born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, I aspire to be one of the many talents that aid in further putting the Caribbean on the map. Therefore, any opportunity that aligns with this aspiration is a dream and opportunity of a lifetime”.

Daniel’s charming, yet disarming, personality and ability to solicit honest responses from his interviewees make him the ideal host of Hot Ones Caribbean. Not excluding his wit and creativity, Daniel Loveless knows how to turn any appearance he makes into a memorable moment, and we dare say he is a “Hot One”.

“Daniel is a super-talented, intellectually gifted, respectful young man with a solid sense of purpose, said Frederick A. Morton, Jr., Founder, Chairman & CEO of TEMPO Networks and Producer of Hot Ones Caribbean. “He met every single criteria that I had in mind for the Host, including experience in asking Hot questions — I am confident that I have chosen well and that he will be huge hit”.

TEMPO is currently in pre-production of the Caribbean version of Complex Networks award-winning show Hot Ones. An extraordinary line-up of talent is being finalized for the first season who are ready to feast on some hot wings dipped in the finest and hottest Caribbean Pepper Sauce locally, regionally and internationally. Hot Ones Caribbean is carded to premier this summer – a hot one for sure!

OLD DUPPY & ALVIN’S TWO REGIONAL PEPPER SAUCES TAKE THEIR SPOT ON THE HOT TABLE

/0 Comments/in /by

April 20th, 2021 (Trinidad & Tobago, WI.) – The Hot Table just got hotter as two regional Pepper Sauce brands secured their spot on Hot Ones Caribbean.  Old Duppy Pepper Sauces from Barbados and Alvin’s Hot Sauce from St. Croix, USVI have joined the “Pepper Sauce Cast” both with unique flavors that is sure to delight to the Celebrity cast on the show.

Old Duppy Pepper Sauces started from the passion for cooking and a recognition that there was an opportunity in the pepper sauce market in Barbados to be creative.  The very first sauce, “Fiery Pineapple”, was an immediate hit with its fresh pineapple flavour and real wood smoked peppers.  From mild Jalapenos, to scorching hot Carolina Reapers, combined with unique complementary ingredients Old Duppy pepper sauces not only bring the heat, but are packed with flavour and complexity.

When asked why they had to be on Hot Ones Caribbean, Director Nicholas Bynoe of Old Duppy, indicated:  “We just had to be – Not only is it a great opportunity to showcase our brand, but the show is a fantastic platform to promote Caribbean products as a whole to a wider global audience”.  

Hailing from Christiansted, St. Croix USVI is Alvin’s Hot Sauce.  Partnering with local island farmers and growers across the region Alvin’s combines the perfect blend of fruit (papaya), peppers (Scotch Bonnet), and spices.  Boasting 12 Awards which include the National 2019 Scovie Awards for Alvin’s Red Pepper Hot Sauce, 1st place Hot Sauce – Unique, 2nd place Wing Sauce – Unique and 3rd place Hot Sauce – World Beat, Alvin’s is in the business of winning with his Pepper Sauces. When asked why Hot Ones Caribbean is important, Alvin’s CEO, Alvin Franklin, proffered “Hot Ones is an international brand and platform, Frederick Morton, CEO of TEMPO foresight to bring Hot Ones to the Caribbean will open doors for brands like mine to be seen globally, and will create more opportunities for trade. I am very excited to be featured on Hot Ones Caribbean and am looking forward to the long term rewards” Alvin said.

“Hot One’s Caribbean most definitely heats up with the entry of Old Duppy pepper sauce from one of my favorite islands, Barbados and Alvin’s from my home, St. Croix USVI, where I was born and raised, said Frederick Morton Jr, Founder & CEO of TEMPO Networks, as well as Producer of Hot One’s Caribbean.  “The diversity and uniqueness of these Caribbean pepper sauces make them a natural for the hot table and I am certain our celebrity guests will feel the fire and enjoy the great taste of these amazing brands”, said Morton.

FLOW JOINS TEMPO NETWORK’S PRODUCTION AND LAUNCH OF THE CARIBBEAN VERISION OF HIT SERIES HOT ONES

/0 Comments/in /by

April 14th, 2021 (Trinidad & Tobago, WI.) –   Flow and TEMPO Networks are teaming up once again to produce exciting culturally-relevant Caribbean content.   TEMPO is currently in production of the Caribbean version of Complex Networks’ award-winning show Hot Ones, spotlighting Caribbean Pepper Sauce Manufacturers locally, regionally and internationally who are fortunate enough to land a spot at the Hot Table for the inaugural season of Hot Ones Caribbean.

Like the original series, the show will feature top Caribbean talent and celebrities, while they experience the taste and heat of the hottest Caribbean pepper sauces, like Bertie’s and Habernero from Trinidad & Tobago, Alvin’s from the United States Virgin Islands and Old Duppy from Barbados, among others.  Ms. Raelene Rydzik, Director, Entertainment Acquisition, Cable & Wireless Communications, stated “We are delighted to again partner with TEMPO to bring original, Caribbean content like ‘HOT ONES’ to Flow customers.  Our Flow 1 channel is an excellent platform for highlighting the diverse interests and cultures of our Caribbean audience.”

The two companies successfully partnered before in the production of ground-breaking Caribbean content, including the well-received series, Caribbean Dream, which profiles the journey of Caribbean nationals who have migrated internationally and achieved great success in their professions.  The Caribbean Dream series has thus far featured Ms. Yvette Noel-Schure from Grenada, who is super-star recording artist, Beyonce’s, long-time publicist; Celebrity Hair Stylist, Mr. Neal Farinah, whose star-studded client list includes Beyonce, Nikki Minaj and many others; and Essence Chief Content Officer, Ms. Moana Lu from Martinique.

“TEMPO has partnered with Flow in varying capacities from its inception in 2005 and we are grateful to have Flow as a committed partner in the development of quality Caribbean content, said Frederick A. Morton, Jr., Founder, Chairman & CEO, TEMPO Networks.  “The partnership has always been a HOT ONE and therefore it is no surprise that we are once again coming together to produce this exciting show, Hot Ones Caribbean, that can entertain our audiences, while at the same time have an extraordinary impact on so many of our industries, creative, tourism, trade, agriculture, etc”, said Morton

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO LOCAL HOT PEPPER SAUCES, BERTIE’S AND HABENERO TRINIDAD SECURE THEIR SPOT ON THE HOT TABLE FOR HOT ONES CARIBBEAN

/0 Comments/in /by

April 7th, 2021 (Trinidad & Tobago, WI.) – Two local Pepper Sauce brands Bertie’s and Habanero Trinidad will be on the Hot Table for Hot Ones Caribbean.  Since the announcement that TEMPO Networks has partnered with COMPLEX Networks to launch a Caribbean version of the award-winning show Hot Ones, Caribbean Pepper Sauce Manufacturers locally, regionally and internationally have been vying to land a spot on the Hot Table for the inaugural season.

Locally, Bertie’s Pepper sauce, the first to sign on and be selected, was established in 2004 in the family’s kitchen and boasts of its perfect balance of hot, flavorful, local homemade taste.  From their kitchen to our homes, today Bertie’s can be found in almost all the major supermarkets in Trinidad and Tobago.  Logan Steuart, Sales Director of Bertie’s Pepper Sauce, said “He is thrilled to be on the Hot Table, long-time fans of the original Hot Ones Series, we jumped at the opportunity of being on the Caribbean version of the show, we have always looked for new ways to expand and communicate to our current and potential customers.  Hot Ones Caribbean will allow Bertie’s to showcase our products to both a regional and worldwide audience, which is both a new and exciting venture we are ready for.”

Bringing more heat to the table, with a balance of fiery heat and flavour is locally produced pepper sauce, Habanero Trinidad, made using the world’s second hottest pepper, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper. With distributors in New York, Florida and St. Maarten, a supplier for two local hotel chains, fast food outlets and manufacturer of the legendary pepper sauce from the Calypso Queen herself, Calypso Rose, called “Scorpion Fire Fire”, Habanero has been in the Pepper business for almost a decade.  It is therefore no surprise that Habanero is on the Hot Table.

When asked how she feels about being involved in Hot Ones Caribbean, Sharon Chautilal, Director of Habanero Trinidad, said “I feel very passionate about what I do and have always said that the way the world view pepper/hot sauce is different to how we view and feel about pepper sauce in the Caribbean.  It is more than just a product, it is a part of our culture”.  It is an entire experience which includes “Caribbean Arts, Entertainment, Culture and Cuisine — we share TEMPO Networks’ vision and believe that this partnership will give the Caribbean people the opportunity to share their stories to the world and help achieve this mandate,” said Chautilal.

In connection with the export, marketing and promotion regionally and internationally of the local brands featured on the Hot Ones and its own Caribbean Pepper Sauce brand, TEMPO is in discussions with exporTT Ltd., the trade policy implementation agency of the Ministry of Trade. exporTT ‘s General Manager (Ag), Mr Dhanraj Harrypersad said “Pepper and pepper sauce in Trinidad and Tobago are products ingrained in our culture and act as the ultimate differentiator in export markets”.  When asked about the benefits of diversifying a product like TEMPO’s Hot Ones Caribbean Show, to develop and export local Pepper sauce for the food sector, to service new markets,  Harrypersad stated “at exporTT, we support local companies to get their products to far-flung places so customers can satisfy their pepper cravings. This programme and its reach will be instrumental in bringing clients and pepper enthusiasts in contact with our manufacturers and products. We are happy to partner with TEMPO and Complex to add some ‘Trini’ flavour to the world!”

Film TT, the Trinidad & Tobago state agency established in 2006 to facilitate the growth and development of the film and audio-visual sector in Trinidad & Tobago,  is providing critical support to TEMPO to facilitate the local production needs.   With regards to developing content that markets and promotes the local production of the local pepper sauces featured, Leslie-Ann Wills-Caton – General Manger FilmTT stated,  “This is the  kind of embedded marketing that FilmTT is always seeking to promote and share with the private sector. Product placement can boost sales, facilitate brand goodwill and aid brand awareness. We are excited to partner with TEMPO and Complex to help facilitate this opportunity for our local pepper sauce manufacturers.”

TEMPO Founder & CEO and Producer of the Hot Ones Caribbean, Frederick A. Morton Jr., indicated that “as the TEMPO team revs up in production and the excitement mounts for the summer launch of the Hot Ones, we are super-excited to welcome both Bertie’s and Habanero Trinidad to the Hot table — I personally look forward to placing an international spotlight on (and trying) all of our terrific brands locally from Trinidad & Tobago and from throughout the Caribbean and diaspora, as I am convinced, we have the best in the world”.

One Africa Music Fest NYC 2021 / The Biggest Afrobeats Festival In The World

/0 Comments/in /by

Friday October 1, 2021

Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk
3052 West 21st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11224

Featuring Live:
Wurld / Kranium / Flavour / Olamide / Tiwa Savage / Harmonize / Kwaw Kese / D12 / Oxlade / Bella Shmurda / Rema / Tome / Busiswa / DJ Buka / DJ Big Skipp / DJ Young Kofi

About the Event

One Africa Music Fest is the most prestigious leading platform in showcasing Africa’s best and brightest talents, with the sole aim of solidifying Africa’s position within the entertainment industry on a global level.

Afrobeats Music is currently the fastest growing music genre, gaining global recognition and having internationally known talents tapping into this unique sound. One Africa Music Fest is not only providing that platform for African talents to showcase their music and talents but is also fast becoming a movement and lifestyle part of millennial mindset that is transcending demographics.

We see this concept as a critical contribution to the development and awareness of African Music/Talents Globally. The results will be the expansion of physical and digital entertainment and lifestyle distribution, creating partnership opportunities around the globe.

Click Here for more info

Buy Tickets

mas domnik the real mas

Mas Domnik The Real Mas 2020

/1 Comment/in /by

Mas Domnik The Real Mas 2020

Saturday, January 18 – Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The 2020 Mas Domnik Calendar of events will feature a vast array of events to include calypso tents, calypso monarch competitions, village carnivals, princess shows, traditional “ole” mas festivals, pageants, street jump ups and private fetes and parties. This year’s Carnival celebrations will see the return of International Artiste Night the weekend before Carnival as well as Kiddies Carnival on the Sunday immediately before the street jump up days.

For more information visit their website.

More Info

tarrus riley at sony hall 2/27/20

TARRUS RILEY W/ SPECIAL GUEST DEAN FRASER & BLAK SOIL BAND

/0 Comments/in /by

TARRUS RILEY W/ SPECIAL GUEST DEAN FRASER & BLAK SOIL BAND

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Sony Hall
235 West 46th Street New York, NY, 10036

Doors: 7:00pm / Show: 8:30pm

General Admission – Standing Room
• $35 Advance / $40 Day of Show
• Limited Seating Available First Come, First Served

VIP Side Wing Seating
• $100 Advance / $110 Day of Show
• Includes Guaranteed Seating in Designated Section

• Full Dinner Menu Available
• All Ages

Buy Tickets

————————————————————–
BIO

Tarrus Riley’s foray into music was inevitable. The talented singer and songwriter was always surrounded by music from an early age. His father is veteran reggae singer Jimmy Riley.
Riley has learnt a lot by merely being in the environment of the music business. He caught on very quickly and made his recording debut as a teenager. “I’ve always loved music; I used to deejay but everyone used to encourage me to sing. They used to call me “Singy Singy” because I was always singing,” Riley commented.

In 2004, Tarrus released his debut album, Challenges. “I was fortunate to have recorded my debut album with an independent label out of Miami”.

The secret to his success is quite simple – “when preparation meets opportunity”, stated a self-assured Riley. ‘I sing for the people – this is the contribution I can make and after I make a song; it isn’t even mine anymore; it belongs to the people.”
Known for his ‘healing’ music, Tarrus released his sophomore album Parables in 2006 to widespread acclaim and spawned hit singles – “Stay With You”, “Beware”, “She’s Royal”, “Lion Paw”, among others. “I worked on Parables with Dean Fraser and I wasn’t surprised at the success it has had, but how fast it all happened”, Riley reflected.

“I’ve known Dean a long time and to work with him on something as great and historic as Parables, is an honour”, he also said. “Parables was a confidence builder and has set the foundation for everything else that I will bring to my audience”.
“I define myself so I make thought-provoking music about Black consciousness and experiences. I want to open people’s minds and let them think. My music isn’t prejudiced towards colour, class, creed or nationality,” he explained passionately.
“I target women and children with my music because slavery tampered with the woman’s mind and that’s why I wrote She’s Royal. She’s the head of the household so she has the power to influence the young men and women of tomorrow,” Riley added.
Tarrus works with a group of friends on a movement proudly titled BLAKSOIL – Bredren Living According King Selassie-I Overstanding & Iritical Livity. Through this movement, Riley hopes to further target the consciousness of our women and children.

Riley has consistently racked up awards for his work. Among his accolades are Best Singer, Male Vocalist, Cultural Artiste, Song of the Year, and Best Song.

Some of the awards institutions which have rewarded Riley include the Youth View Awards, The Star People’s Choice Awards, EME Awards, and the Reggae Academy awards.
Said Riley, ‘I have received awards both locally and internationally. But to be honest, the best award I receive consistently is from the people themselves – when I can look in their faces and see the impression my music has made – that is the best award I can ever get’.

Nonetheless, Tarrus is the proud holder of CVM’s 15th Anniversary Award, held in February 2009, for the ‘Most Admired Song in the Past 15 Years’ for the hit, “She’s Royal”. “That award really means a lot to me because it was chosen by the people in the streets,” said Riley.
In 2009 Riley released his third opus Contagious on Cannon Production. The album was distributed by VP Records. It contained the hits Start Anew, Contagious, Good Girl Gone Bad featuring Konshens and Superman, a cover of a Robin Thicke original.

2010 saw the release of the chart topper Protect the People, which scaled several charts in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.

Early 2011 saw the release of the Black History themed Shaka Zulu Pickney which was featured on the Nyabingi rhythm from Bombrush Music. The video for the song which was directed by Storm Saulter was well received upon its release.
His interest in educating the youth about Black History resulted in the Tarrus Riley Freedom Writers Competition, which ran on Jamaica’s Irie FM radio station.

2011 also saw the release of videos for hit singles including Come Ova and Never leave I. Both songs have become anthems on Jamaican radio as well as in several Caribbean territories.
Riley has performed on several stages around the world. His performances have drawn credible reviews from the media in the Caribbean, North America, the United States and Europe.
Riley tours Europe once each year, performing on the major reggae festivals in several European countries.
Riley’s most recent high profile performances include the 2011 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Reggae Sumfest 2010, Betty Wright and Friends in concert in Jamaica, and the Palmyra Foundation’s Fundraising event.

Among his accolades in 2011 were the EME Awards (Excellence in Music and Entertainment) for Vocalist of the Year Male and Cultural Artiste of the Year. Riley also copped the 2011 Youth View Award for Cultural Artiste of the Year.

Riley released the acoustic album Mecoustic (Soulbeats Records) in 2012. He toured Europe between April and May 2012 to promote the album.
In 2013 he walked away with two IRAWMA awards. The Best Male Vocalist, and Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer for 2012.

His “Gimmie Likkle One Drop” was added to BBC’s 1Xtra’s Official Playlist. This means the song will not only be played during reggae or dancehall segments, but will also be played everyday throughout the day. “This is a huge accomplishment for reggae music”, says David Rodigan.
Shane Brown of Juke Boxx Productions, joined Dean Fraser as core members of the management team in April 2013. According to Fraser “All we really did was to make a little adjustment and interject Shane into the team”.
In February 2014, Tarrus released “Love Situation” The album Love Situation is produced by Dean Fraser for Cannon, assisted by talents such as Shane C Brown of Juke Boxx Productions, Mitchum ‘Khan’ Chin and Jordan McClure.
The project was mixed by Shane C Brown and Romel Marshall and mastered by Grammy award winning engineer Michael Fuller.

The tracks Burn My Desire, Dem A Watch, Thank You, Cry No More, Special Occasion and Sail Away featuring the Godfather of Deejays, U Roy are all above average and are testimony to the fact that despite the debauchery and violence that some of Jamaica’s younger entertainers prefer to offer up as ‘music’, hope is still on the horizon and Reggae is very much alive and kicking. The album also features collaborations with another veteran deejay Big Youth and Mr Checks.
To share the same space with Tarrus Riley is to realise that humility and positively are two of his strong attributes.
“It’s good to be good. I am just a different person. I try to be positive. I get my inspiration from the people, the teachings of my mother and father. Inspiration is actually In Spirit Action that’s what the word means,” he said.

Reggae music earns billions in US dollars annually but sadly, less than one per cent of that profit finds its way to Jamaica. Riley recognises that much needs to be done in order to repatriate the business of Reggae to the land of its birth.
He is of the view that local stakeholders need to invest more in the music in order to gain more benefits and essentially assist in building Jamaica’s economy.

“The mindset has to change. The whole attitude towards music has to change. I don’t think we appreciate what we have. It a career and I take it seriously. When we see others do something we bawl and say they are taking our things but its because they appreciate what we do. Everybody wants to do the right thing,” he said we bawl and say they are taking our things but it’s because they appreciate what we do. Everybody wants to do the right thing,” he said.

Riley toured the US promoting the album in February and is back on the road in the US again in June. In August he will tour the United Kingdom and Europe later this year.