Royal Blu and Runkus embark upon the ‘G’ tour
Published:Monday | February 20, 2023 | 12:42 AMStephanie Lyew /Gleaner Writer
Among the raw talent re-popularising the sound and lifestyle that is reggae music, stands Royal Blu and Runkus. The two artistes, who also write songs, compose and produce the eclectic melodies on which they lay their lyrics, have managed to use a series of new wave collaborations to forge a path on to international stages over the past five years.
With several opportunities to tour, both separately and together, Royal Blu and Runkus have each visited over 20 major cities and countries and performed on major stages, such as Reggae Jam Festival and Summerjam Festival in Germany, Reggae Fever and Roots in the Park in The Netherlands, Reggae Geel in Belgium, and Rototom in Spain, among others.
“We’ve done a lot of remarkable shows in Europe,” Runkus said during an interview with The Gleaner, noting that their first official tour together, Class Is In Tour, was in 2017.
“It’s something we want to continue to do and when people see the two of us, although its separate entities, it is one shared mission,” he continued.
Bonding over a mutual respect for vintage reggae, hip hop, and the fusion of genres, as well as individual observations of the world, the artistes have created several impactful collaborations including, How Mi Sound, Skin Toned, sinG with God, and G, which has amassed close to one million streams across digital streaming platforms. Referred to as ‘lyrical kings’, they have written for other acts who are making waves on the international stages including Protoje, Koffee and Jesse Royal. They have also been featured together on songs with Ras I, who invited them to add their creativity to his single Crazy Over You released in 2019 and the thought-provoking 2020 production, 5Gs, which featured three other sensational reggae acts, Munga Honorable, Jesse Royal, and recent Grammy Award-winner, Kabaka Pyramid.
Currently in Long Beach, California for Cali Vibes Fest, Royal Blu and Runkus have shared that their high expectations have transformed into even greater experiences, as they embark upon a tour of the West Coast, their first official US tour, including performances at the Zanzi Club in Oakland, opening for Alborosie in Arcata at the Arcata Theatre, San Diego for the Tribe of Kings ‘Uptown Top Ranking, and the Pandora Secret Show and a few other appearances which they are waiting to be confirmed.
Runkus said, “This year is very significant in how all this has aligned with our G record accumulating over a million streams, half a million on Spotify alone, and we are able to do a ‘G’ tour knowing that more people want to see us on the West Coast.
“We have both been inspired by many creatives and great musicians and it’s our turn to give back to the creativity pool and to the youths who are just like us and make them know you can come from anywhere whether ‘Spain Town’ [Spanish Town], Portmore, wherever and make it through shedding light and positive music. A nuff time we have to shed light on ourselves because we’ve been through it all, and we are not preaching perfection, but that it is possible.”
Speaking about how their music is created, Royal Blu explained that there are times in studio when he has an idea and Runkus is skilled at adding the finishing elements and vice versa and that most times it is unplanned. He described their productions as a modern sound mixed in with familiar elements which has the authenticity of Jamaica’s roots genres.
“We haven’t performed as a duo in the longest time, call it our first time since the pandemic, and after releasing G, we’ve been getting a lot of different opportunities, in the interim, making great music together and individually, so it feels good to be on the road with material from that,” Royal Blu said.
“Reggae music lovers in the US are witnessing that right now. The mission continues to be, make music with a message and letting the world know there is still authentic, quality reggae but with a fresh approach. We just want to spread good music, showcase our talent and leave a lasting memory from this tour,” he continued.