Tarrus Riley ready to ‘play some nice music’ on Love and Harmony Cruise
Published:Saturday | April 13, 2024 | 12:10 AMKwela Cole/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica’s very own ‘Singy Singy’ is warming up his vocal cords in anticipation of the Love and Harmony Cruise. Now in its sixth staging, the cultural experience atop crystal-clear blue waves sets sail from Miami today to embark on a six-day, five-night voyage exploring the Caribbean Sea, hosting over 2,300 guests.
With a star-studded musical lineup and an events itinerary packed with parties and West Indian-specific game tournaments, excitement abounds. Tarrus Riley is hyped for the cruise, gushing about the unique adventure awaiting guests aboard the Norwegian Pearl, the event’s host vessel.
“It feels great and I’m excited and looking forward to having a good time. One of the nice things about the lineup is the diversity of artistes. That is really interesting and I think adds [something] special to the experience. I’m ready to have a great time [and] look good, feel good and play some nice music.”
He refers to the musical curator’s expert capture of the different sounds making up the collective song of the Caribbean found within the list of the cruise’s guest artistes.
‘Harmonizers’, as those aboard the Love and Harmony Cruise are lovingly referred to, will be entertained by Riley and other representatives across the dancehall, reggae and even soca genres.
When asked about the details of his performance at sea, the Simple Blessings vocalist remained tight-lipped, opting instead to take the opportunity to emphasise the can’t-miss nature of Love and Harmony Cruise.
“I cyaa tell you dat. I cyaa gi weh the secret sauce, you have to be there. It’s an experience you have to experience personally. I can’t talk about it, I have to sing about it.”
Riley further teases about his upcoming projects, sharing lightly about works to come and his upcoming birthday on April 26, which he is excited to greet with open and strong arms.
“There’s always music coming but right now we in the present. We’re in the month of April which is my birthday, so I’m looking forward to keeping healthy and strong. We have so much recorded music. To talk about music is like talking about mi life. We just living in the present and giving thanks and we talk about what’s next, soon.”
In addition to Riley, the stellar lineup aboard this year’s cruise includes Buju Banton, Alison Hinds, Ghost, Chris Martin, and Captain Beres Hammond.