Data updated on 2025-06-11 18:57:21 UTC
“I don’t just make riddims—I build worlds,” says Runkus. “I want the sound to feel ancient and futuristic at the same time."
Romario "Runkus" Bennett is a Jamaican vocalist, producer, and composer whose genre-blurring work is pushing the boundaries of reggae into bold, future-facing territory. A rising force in Caribbean music, his sound —rooted in Rastafari, blends roots, dancehall, soul, and experimental textures anchored by lyrical depth and a fearless sonic vision. Born into reggae lineage but not bound by it, the Jamaican artist-producer has become one of the island’s most arresting voices: a sharp lyricist, versatile performer, and a sonic architect with vision far beyond category.
In the wake of his critically acclaimed IN:SIDE LP, Runkus, alongside Oscar Nominated producer Toddla T, began crafting The OUT:SIDE LP—a layered, future-forward body of work that explores collective exile, ecstatic joy, and the spiritual texture of diasporic life. The album features a standout collaboration with Chronixx on “Pretty Suit”, a magnetic and genre-bending track that distills Runkus’ lyrical wit and boldness. This project builds on his signature blend of roots reggae, dancehall and atmospheric experimentalism and thus was placed on Rolling Stone’s Albums of the Year for 2022.
To add to his two Grammy Nominations, in 2025, Runkus earned a JUNO nomination for Reggae Recording of the Year and contributed production to BASHY, winner of MOBO’s Album of the Year.
Romario "Runkus" Bennett is a Jamaican vocalist, producer, and composer whose genre-blurring work is pushing the boundaries of reggae into bold, future-facing territory. A rising force in Caribbean music, his sound —rooted in Rastafari, blends roots, dancehall, soul, and experimental textures anchored by lyrical depth and a fearless sonic vision. Born into reggae lineage but not bound by it, the Jamaican artist-producer has become one of the island’s most arresting voices: a sharp lyricist, versatile performer, and a sonic architect with vision far beyond category.
In the wake of his critically acclaimed IN:SIDE LP, Runkus, alongside Oscar Nominated producer Toddla T, began crafting The OUT:SIDE LP—a layered, future-forward body of work that explores collective exile, ecstatic joy, and the spiritual texture of diasporic life. The album features a standout collaboration with Chronixx on “Pretty Suit”, a magnetic and genre-bending track that distills Runkus’ lyrical wit and boldness. This project builds on his signature blend of roots reggae, dancehall and atmospheric experimentalism and thus was placed on Rolling Stone’s Albums of the Year for 2022.
To add to his two Grammy Nominations, in 2025, Runkus earned a JUNO nomination for Reggae Recording of the Year and contributed production to BASHY, winner of MOBO’s Album of the Year.
Monthly listeners
41,594
Followers
12,291
Most popular tracks
| Track | Plays | Duration | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1,412,761 | 3:50 | 2019-04-05 | |
|
1,343,160 | 2:49 | 2022-07-21 | |
|
1,250,042 | 3:49 | 2020-08-14 | |
|
757,342 | 3:37 | 2014-10-31 | |
|
708,188 | 3:19 | 2020-11-19 | |
|
708,043 | 3:50 | 2020-12-18 | |
|
589,049 | 4:08 | 2019-03-15 | |
|
578,980 | 4:11 | 2020-05-22 | |
|
559,175 | 4:08 | 2022-04-06 | |
|
409,004 | 7:54 | 2018-11-21 |
