The Sunday Mail
NEWS that legend on the chiselling table, Bronx-born Jamaican reggae star, Tarrus Riley, will be landing in Harare in little more than a fortnight for a debut show on Zimbabwean soil has brought a unique touch to international shows.
While many have come to conquer the Zimbabwean music scene, perhaps none has had the unique ability to attract the attention and excitement of a slit of the population, whetting the music appetites of both young and old alike. The “Sorry is a Sorry Word” balladeer will be jamming to the eclectic tastes of a wide range of fans come October 28 in what is expected to be a scorching summer sizzler at the Harare International Conference Centre.
“The excitement is palpable and we expect to have a massive response as evidenced by the sheer numbers of people both young and old enquiring about the gig and eager to grace the show come October 28, the feedback is overwhelming,” said the producers of the show, Entertainment Republic, in an exclusive confirmation that logistics were now in order.
“As Entertainment Republic, we are guaranteeing a show with as much pomp and fanfare as can be expected of a real summer concert as well as assuring show-goers that while our focus is bringing Tarrus Riley to the fans, we wish to do it according to world-class standards that will give people value for money over and above a great experience.”
Tarrus Riley, celebrated for his peppery, lilting and mellifluous texture of voice, has become one of the biggest rising names in the world of both ballads and mainstream reggae music in the same mould as his celebrated late father and veteran reggae musician Jimmy Riley.
Jimmy succumbed to cancer last year leaving Tarrus the magical vocal legacy. But what spiced the coming of Tarrus has been the additional serving of another musical great, Dean Fraser.
“We have legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser also coming through and adding depth to the show, having worked with the legendary Island Records label that represented Bob Marley in crucial times in his career and recorded with several notable reggae gods. This line-up is every reggae music lover’s dream,” said Entertainment Republic in a further statement.
The entertainment outfit is currently working with local artistes for a full multi-sound event to ensure that all music tastes are catered for by incorporating several local artistes to share the bill, which list is expected to be unveiled this week.
