Runkus

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 2021, Runkus released IN:SIDE, a quarantine-inspired LP distributed by Delicious Vinyl. It amassed over 1.5 million streams in its first week, was named one of Reggaeville ’ s Albums of the Year, and featured standout collaborations with Jesse Royal, Kabaka Pyramid, Naomi Cowan and Tarrus Riley. 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. A respected voice in modern roots music and two-time grammy nominated artist, Runkus has contributed to some of reggae’s most acclaimed works: ● ● ● ● “Like Dat” on Jesse Royal’s Royal (Grammy-nominated) – writer, performer, producer, engineer “Truths & Rights ” feat. Mortimer on Protoje’s A Matter of Time (Grammy-nominated) – writer “Armageddon ” on The Skints’ Swimming Lessons – co-writer “Note to Self (Be Okay)” and “Highly (Get to Me)” on Jah9’s Note to Self – co-producer with Iotosh He has also worked with members of the Marley family, including touring with Ky-Mani Marley and contributing to a broad network of intergenerational Jamaican artistry. His international reach includes performances at Summerjam, Rototom Sunsplash and Boomtown Fair. His 2016 EP Move In (Oneness Records) became a European underground hit, charting on Amazon and receiving BBC radio play. 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. His production credits include:

● ● ● “Love Salute ” – Tarrus Riley “Live a Little ” – Dyani “Just a Number ” – Morgan Heritage (all part of the Special Request Riddim, produced with Xterminator/XTM Nation) Beyond recordings, Runkus has composed original music for major Caribbean brands including Red Stripe and Flow, which led to his scoring work on the Jamaican short film Black Girl in the Ring (directed by M1/Saeed Thomas). His sonic vision also extends into contemporary art through a deep collaboration with renowned Bahamian artist Tavares Strachan. Together, they co-created sound installations for major exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery in London, Marian Goodman Gallery in New York, and Kunsthalle Mannheim in Germany, where Runkus also performed live at the sold-out opening, drawing over 1,000 attendees. Their joint work for the Kunsthalle Mannheim Supernovas exhibition included a specially pressed vinyl of a track written and composed by Runkus—imprinted on a page within the exhibition’s companion book. That exhibition now titles his forthcoming album. “I don ’t just make riddims—I build worlds, same time. ” ” says Runkus. “I want the sound to feel ancient and futuristic at the Raised in Portmore and the son of reggae artist Determine, Runkus began recording at age seven and won RETV’s talent search by sixteen. He is the founder of Runkus Music Company and continues to work across production, performance, and score with a signature sound that defies category. Whether in a riddim, a film, or a gallery, his work pulses with purpose. Not as a trend but as a trajectory.