Many things can happen in a decade, however, for one of Jamaica’s most popular male groups, T.O.K., being out of touch with their Jamaican fans is not one of them.
The four-member squad of Alex, Bay-C, Craigy-T, and Flexx have been active since the late 1990s and has consistently produced hits for years until they went their separate ways in 2015. Now, the members have reunited for the March 27th edition of popular series FRi~NALLY, on Hope Road, St Andrew. Already the anticipation is building as the group’s female fans, are especially gearing up to see the men once described in 2004 as “the world’s greatest dancehall-reggae boy band” by The New York Times.
THE STAR caught up with Craigy T, given name Craigy Thompson, to find out about their upcoming gig, what fans can expect, and what is next for them going into 2026. As he explained, the show will mark their return to the local stage after more than a decade.
“To the best of my knowledge, the last time we headlined in Jamaica was Blue Mountain Music Festival 2015,” he said. But the members have, however, been doing work together for a while overseas.
“We’ve had a full touring schedule together since 2022. Last month we headlined Panama Carnival. The reunion was great, and come FRi~NALLY, fans can expect the full T.O.K. energy. With our catalogue of hits, it’s difficult to find space on stage for other surprise artistes or acts, but anything is possible,” he said.
When asked if they are officially back together, Craigy T said ‘most definitely’.
“Back like we never left. Solid as a rock. One of the best things about being part of T.O.K. is that it feels good to be a part of the group that revolutionised the sound of dancehall,” he said.
Back to claim their space in the entertainment industry, Craigy-T shared that going forward, what’s next for T.O.K. is just making more great music and accompanying memories.
“Remember that in the reggae/dancehall arena, we are champions. So stay tuned to our social media for updates. We have several singles that our fans can check out, such as True Friends, Kingston Town, and Nuh Play Dat. They can also look out for Machine and the newest one Champion, to be released this week,” he said.
Career-wise, for longevity, Craigy-T also has some advice for young artistes just breaking into the entertainment business.
“Pay attention to your income streams and stay out of the mix -up,” he said. One change he would like to see in the industry is the elimination of infighting.
“We have too much energy for war. But I guess as long as people enjoy watching us tear each other down, that won’t change.”
