Since first visiting Jamaica 10 years ago to get a feel of the country, American reggae artiste Brandon Rootz has rubbed shoulders with some of the music’s elite names including Luciano and producer Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James.

He says nothing compares to him being the opening act for Barrington Levy on his ‘A Fi Yuh Tour’ of the United States. That 60-date trek started in Tucson, Arizona on June 1 and ends September 14 in Chicago.

According to Brandon Rootz, “Touring with Barrington Levy has been a next-level step in my career. Barrington gives me a sold-out audience of people to hear my music and I have been receiving much love from the people and support for my performance along with numerous followers.”

Some of those sold-out performances have taken place at marquee venues such as the Howard Theater in Washington DC, The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, California, House of Blues in New Orleans and Sony Music Hall in New York City.

It is the biggest US tour in some time for Levy, whose many hit songs include Black Roses, Too Experienced, Under me Sensi and 21 Girl Salute. Much of the past 10 years has seen the veteran singer perform on the European summer festival circuit.

Brandon Rootz was born and raised in Northern California, which has had a vibrant reggae scene for over four decades. After traveling to Jamaica several times, he began recording songs at Tuff Gong studios with top musicians such as guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith and drummer Kirk Bennett.

Two years ago, he collaborated with Luciano on the song, Without The Greed. Another song he did in 2023 was You’re Like an Angel, a digital duet with Gregory Isaacs produced by King Jammy.

-Howard Campbell