Montego Bay, St James (McKoy’s Information) — The candy sounds of reggae and love crammed Catherine Corridor on Saturday night time as singer Tarrus Riley made a triumphant return to the Sumfest stage after nearly a decade, leaving followers in tears together with his shifting tribute to reggae legends.
Riley, son of the late nice Jimmy Riley, stepped out shortly after 2:00 AM throughout Competition Night time 2 of Reggae Sumfest 2025 and wasted no time delivering hit after hit. The singer carried out crowd favorites like She’s Royal, Gimme Likkle One Drop, and Sorry Is a Sorry Phrase, as patrons swayed and sang alongside.
However essentially the most touching second of the night time got here when Riley paused his set to honor the reminiscence of his father and fellow reggae icon Cocoa Tea, who each handed away lately.
“This one is for Daddy Jimmy, Cocoa Tea, and all of the greats who paved the best way fi we,” Riley instructed the large crowd earlier than performing Keep With You and an emotional rendition of his father’s traditional Love and Devotion.
Patrons cheered, waved their flags, and even lit candles throughout the tribute, with some visibly wiping away tears.
Riley, who grew up watching his father carry out at Sumfest, referred to as it a “full circle second” and thanked the organizers for permitting him to pay homage to the legends who impressed him.
The competition, which wrapped up Sunday morning, additionally featured fiery performances from Protoje, Lila Iké, and a shock visitor look by dancehall star Popcaan.
Reggae Sumfest 2025 ran from July 13–19 and drew 1000’s of locals and vacationers to Montego Bay. Organizers hailed Riley’s set as one of the crucial memorable of the week, describing it as “a unity second the world wanted to see.”
