Riley’s legacy on full display at Reggae Sumfest
In the early hours of Sunday morning, Tarrus 'Singy Singy' Riley took the stage at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, and delivered one of the most captivating performances of Reggae Sumfest 2025.
"The mic is on, the mic is on!" he said, as he smoothly transitioned across the stage, belting out hits after reminding patrons that he sings live. One of the night's most touching moments came when Riley introduced his two children to the stage -- his son Mekiem, who played the guitar, and daughter Tsehai, who showcased her vocal prowess beside him.
"That was definitely a big part for me," Riley shared with THE STAR backstage. "The fact seh mi bring up mi likkle daughter to sing and my son to play the guitar -- yeah man, it was a full circle moment. Dem love music and it ina dem blood from my father (late reggae stalwart Jimmy Riley). I also got to sing one of my favourite songs -- Corner. I really love the words in that song. Those were highlights for me."
Though visibly proud, Riley emphasised that he doesn't want to pressure his children into following his path.
"Dem love music, and they are enjoying themselves with it. Music is fun for them right now. I don't want it to be a burden for them."
Despite performing early in the morning, Riley kept the audience fully engaged -- no small feat after a long evening of entertainment. But for the reggae stalwart, it all comes naturally.
"Music is never difficult," he said. "To play this late, though, feels like a big, big duty, and we just give thanks that people stay out, sing along, and have a good time. Once the people come out and are ready for a good time, we do the rest."
And that he did. From crowd favourites such as She's Royal to a passionate delivery of the aforementioned Corner, as well as a rendition of Michael Jackson's Why with his daughter, Riley fed fans effortlessly. When asked if he critiques his performances or replays them to tweak for future shows, Riley was quick to respond.
"No, no. I don't look back. I look forward. We rehearse and we do what we have to do. You have to let the experience be what it is. Then on to the next one."
Riley was also part of a special moment in the show -- a tribute to some of Jamaica's music pioneers. Honoured with the opportunity to pay homage to the likes of Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Cocoa Tea and his own father, Riley called it a blessing and an honour.
"The forefathers started it all. We are just continuing the mission and it's nice. You know? It feels good. It's an honour to be a part of that legacy."
As for what's next, Riley teased upcoming music releases but took the time to redirect the spotlight back to the people who have supported him most -- Jamaicans.
"Yuh done know we have a lot of music coming, but bigger than that, right now, mi affi give thanks to di Jamaican people. A dem seh 'Singy Singy' and send me to the world and I never take it for granted. Nuff love and respect."