Roots-reggae star Chronixx believes his appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Tuesday presents an opportunity for reggae to break into new territories.

Chronixx, who makes his debut appearance on the NBC network's The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallontomorrow night, has been on a steady rise courtesy of a stream of hits that include BehindCurtain and Here Comes Trouble.

"This is now a thing that is giving us, as a group of youth, an opportunity so that we are no longer reggae artistes stuck in the reggae industry, but reggae artistes and cultural artistes who can now branch out and can be highlighted on a world stage," said the entertainer, who will become the first reggae artiste to appear on the show since Fallon took over from Jay Leno in February. "It is something that we pray and beg God for everyday, and slowly, but surely, Jah answers the prayers of the righteous. So we give thanks and praise for an opportunity like this."

highest-profile concert

Always one to pay homage to those who came before him, Chronixx said the foundation laid by some of the great bands of the past has helped present-generation musicians. "Now we are seeing the fruits of the Third Worlds and the Black Uhurus. Our generation is now reaping those fruits," said Chronixx, who delivered an outstanding set at Reggae Sumfest, that concluded over the weekend.

The appearance will come just days before the entertainer's highest-profile concert to date, when he headlines the Largeup Inaugural Central Park Summer Concert on July 26. The concert is being presented with Okayplayer, Federation Sound and Rice&Peas, and will also feature reggae icon Junior Reid.

Last week, Fallon made reference to Chronixx's upcoming appearance on the show. "Next Tuesday, we have a performance from this guy, Chronixx. He's from Jamaica. He's awesome. They say he could be the next Marley," Fallon said to wild applause. "You're gonna love him. I promise."

Two-week 10-city tour

Meantime, Chronixx recently completed a two-week 10-city tour along the US East coast that included performances in Queens; Manhattan; Burlington; Martha's Vineyard; New Haven; Philadelphia; Washington DC; Atlanta; and Providence, Rhode Island. He was being seen for the first time in a number of these venues and, according to his handlers, he was very well received.

"The tour was good," said Brendan 'Barnes' Sharpe, a member of the artiste's management team. "The reception was good. The supporters came out in numbers. We did mostly 750- to 2000-capacity venues. It our first time in Atlanta, Vermont and Burlington, and it was wonderful. We have to give thanks for that."

He said they were looking forward to the appearance on TheTonight Show, so they can represent the people of Jamaica.