With just over two weeks remaining before Reggae Sumfest, the world’s premier reggae event, unfolds in Montego Bay, Jamaica, organizers are brimming with confidence and anticipation.

This year’s staging, scheduled for July 13–19, is shaping up to be one of the best in the festival’s history.

Festival head honcho Joe Bogdanovich told Caribbean Life that award-winning reggae crooner Tarrus “Singy Singy” Riley will be one of the headline performers on Saturday, July 19, at Catherine Hall, with a performance that promises to be “deeply personal.”

Bogdanovich disclosed that Riley will honor the legacy of his late father, Jimmy Riley, who died on March 23, 2016, and the recently departed Coco Tea, who died on March 11 this year. 

“Tarrus Riley is doing something that not many other artists would do — pay tribute to two legends in his set,” Bogdanovich said.

Anthony “ER Guru” Turner, a Jamaican-born, New York-based entertainment publicist, praised Riley’s enduring impact.

“With a career spanning nearly two decades, Tarrus has built a timeless catalogue of hits,” he said, stating that Riley’s hits include “She’s Royal,” “Contagious,” “Stay With You,” “Soul Mate,” “Cry No More,” and “Good Girl” Gone Bad (featuring Konshens).

Bogdanovich said Riley’s “emotional tribute“ will be joined by other powerful homages on International Night 2.

UK-based singer Terrence Wallen will honor the “Cool Ruler“ Gregory Isaacs, while Canadian-based crooner Chester Miller will pay tribute to Reggae’s “Crowned Prince,“ Dennis Brown, Bogdanovich said.

“Terrence ripped up the UK a few weeks ago with three sold-out theatre dates,“ he said. “This is an important addition to the Saturday night lineup. His popularity has never waned.

“He is one of the top reggae singers most requested by Sumfest fans, which is why we are excited to showcase him again,“ Bogdanovich added.

As the countdown continues, Turner, who plans to attend this year’s staging, said: “With tributes to four of reggae’s most revered icons, Reggae Sumfest 2025 promises to be a stirring celebration of the genre’s rich legacy and an unforgettable night for reggae lovers around the world.”