Tarrus Riley enjoys spreading Christmas cheer through music

Tarrus Riley uses his free Let Live Music Live concert yearly as a platform to spread the positive message. The event, which is normally staged at Emancipation Park in Kingston, gives the Simple Blessings reggae singer the opportunity to share Christmas cheer with Jamaicans.

He told THE WEEKEND STAR that the Let Live Music Live concert ranks high on his list when he thinks about the 'Christmas I Will Never Forget'.

"It gwan eight years now, where you can see the biggest and best artistes for free. That's like my Christmas gift to Jamaica," Riley said.

He said that he has always felt strongly about giving back to the people. "When you just a buss in the music, you sing for free, you want people to know. Now that people know you, they should be able to see you. Just give back the love," the singer said.

The Lion Paw hitmaker's plans for Christmas involve spending time with his family, reflecting on the blessings that the year has given him. "I want to be alive and well to see it because 2020 shakey, but I'll probably be in the gym. I'll be spending time with my family and preparing for the new year," the singer said.

He said that growing up, Christmas was a time of dedicated to having a good family meal and opening gifts, which he and his siblings would looked forward to.

"My mother and father just worked hard for us to have a nice Christmas and we spend time around our family and friends. That was the Christmas lesson I learnt from my parents; to work hard," said.

"The greatest thing about Christmas to me, for some reason, is the people spirit is good vibes. Jamaica Christmas is the sweetest thing with nuff party, yuh get Sting and everything. I really miss that," he said, flashing a smile.