TARRUS RILEY BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH POWERFUL!

Since hitting number one on global reggae charts 10 years ago with She’s Royal, Tarrus Riley has done the circuit countless times.

But thanks to Powerful, his international hit with British singer Ellie Goulding, he has broken new ground in terms of fans.

Tarrus Riley

Last week, he performed for the first time in Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia, Canada.

“It was great vibes…new places, same songs. Dat song get mi on different radio stations an’ wi hear from different promoters; an’ it still going strong.”

Powerful is produced by EDM heavyweights Major Lazer. Released in 2015, it was a hit throughout Europe and entered the American Billboard pop charts, peaking at number 83.

Breaking into new markets comes at a good time for Riley, who is preparing to release a new album this year. It has songs from various producers including DJ Frass (Just The Way You Are) and Rvssian (Don’t Come Back).

Rvssian has had considerable success in the lucrative Latin market, working with Sean Paul and Shaggy. Riley’s previous album, Love Situation, was released in 2014.

He is scheduled to perform this evening at Toad’s Place in New Haven, Connecticut.

— Howard Campbell