Singer/Songwriter Ne-Yo is looking to extend his musical influence into the reggae genre with the launch of the Caribbean leg of his record label Compound Entertainment.
Ne-Yo, who made a three day visit to Jamaica this week for the launch, said his new label “Compound Island” is looking to capitalize on the single driven Jamaican music market.
“The reason we decided to do this here, besides the obvious talent, is that the Jamaican market is very single-driven, where you have that one special song. We believe that is where the music business is heading right now, that singles matter more than the album.”
The platinum-selling singer said artistes like Rihanna and Bruno Mars have taken Jamaican melodies, rhythm and reggae music sound to achieve global success. Something he hopes to achieve with local reggae artists.
“Reggae music is global music, you can go anywhere to hear it, you can go to Australia and hear it,” Ne-Yo said. “It is a lack of knowledge on the global music business that has been the drawback for local acts.”
To kick start his initiative, Ne-Yo said his label will be doing a local online talent search competition for singers, groups, songwriters, producers and more in the near future. Compound Island has a team who will be working here, conducting the search and more. Nonetheless, Ne-Yo explains that he plans to be very ‘hands on’ for his new venture giving his expert advice to local talent.
“We’re looking for fresh talent, people we can mould,” Ne-Yo said. “Be the best you can be, at what you do.”
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