Gold standard artiste hailed by colleagues as leader of reggae’s next chapter
“Dem nuh make dem like we no more and me nah show off. You’re committed to keeping it clean, committed to sweet melody and we are proud of you.” Those were the words of reggae singer Tarrus Riley as he heaped praises on fellow entertainer, Romain Virgo.
Riley was speaking during the recently concluded Mother’s Day concert hosted by Virgo at Hope Gardens. That endorsement was a common thread throughout the event as several of Virgo’s colleagues dubbed him the ‘future of reggae music’ while lauding him for remaining a positive force in the industry.
“Romain Virgo is a good youth, a humble youth. I love his spirit,” said Capleton. “I took him on his first major tour, and he has been a positive light in the music for years now. He’s consistent, produces good music and he’s destined for greatness. Him affi reach far.”
Capleton, one of the headline acts on the Romain Virgo and Friends Live event, said he is extremely proud of the artiste’s growth and is particularly happy that Jamaica has embraced the singer and rewarded his efforts with unwavering support.
“Jamaica loves him and that’s clear. That make me feel good fi see the loyalty. I love his progression, and that people are a part of that. His music brings a message, it speaks to the soul and that speaks for itself,” Capleton continued. “He does music with love, discipline, dedication and perseverance and self-determination. He’s a youth we have strong hopes for, and we know more things ago happen fi him.”
Veteran singer Ghost shared similar sentiments as he too highlighted Virgo’s catalogue of wholesome songs. Ghost shared that in an era where the industry is inundated with lyrics promoting violence and immorality, Virgo’s music is a breath of fresh air.
“Romain has picked up the baton of those before him and we acknowledge him. The youth love music and his contributions are great. He is the future of this reggae music and lover’s rock,” said Ghost.
“Life and music evolves and grows and pass onto the next generation. Romain is one of them and I love him and appreciate him. He’s a clean artiste with clean music in a time where the industry nuh embrace that enough.”
Speaking of clean music, Virgo, in his set at the Mother’s Day event, shared that he made a promise to himself at the beginning of his career to always spread positivity. He says that promise remains intact as he continues his journey.
“The life that I live, there’s nothing to hide. This is just me. The fact that as artistes we are on so many different platforms at different points in our lives, it must reflect in the music. It’s just my morals and values reflecting in my music to be honest. Growing up in a poor community with the kind of values mommy and other family members would set, I know I had to live up to that and so over the years, I’ve wanted them to be proud of me,” Virgo said.
“Whenever I think about anything, a song, I think about home first. Once home is OK, I feel good. I want my mommy to feel proud of every single song I put out. I want her to be able to drive around in her car and listen to it.”
Virgo went on to state that other than making his family proud, he has a responsibility as a human to use the power of music wisely.
“We have a responsibility as humans, as artistes with this power that we call music to sing quality. There is a road and channel for every form of music but at some point, as artistes, we have to get serious especially when we see some of the craziness happening around the world. We have to start making music to uplift the minds of the people and make them feel good. That’s why I make sure that whatever I do, people feel uplifted and empowered.”
