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Ne-Yo, who was recently named VP of A&R for MoTown Records, was joined by Shaggy, Adrienne Bailon, Keri Hilson and Rockmond Dunbar, to celebrated the launch of Compound Island, the Caribbean leg of his record label Compound Entertainment.
The singer/songwriter/actor says he chose to launch Compound Island because he believes reggae music is making a comeback. He explained that music genres go through phases where they fade for a while and then rebound and he feels that reggae music is in its rebound period.
“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.”
The platinum-selling singer said artists like Rihanna and Bruno Mars have taken Jamaican melodies, rhythm and reggae music sound to achieve global success. Something he hopes to achieve in Jamaica with local reggae artists.
More photos from Ne-Yo’s launch celebration below…
Adrienne Bailon, Ne-Yo & Keri Hilson
Keri – Ne-Yo – Adrienne
Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson, Shaggy
Keri & Adrienne
The 3-day celebration began with a cocktail reception at Secrets Resort & Spa, followed by the regional premiere of Red Tails, a movie by renowned producer George Lucas, which boasts an impressive cast including Cuba Gooding Jr and Ne-Yo. And a VIP beach party closed out the weekend’s activities.
Is Ne-Yo on to something?
Do you think Reggae music is about to make a huge comeback?
Photos via The Life Files
FULL PHOTO GALLERY
keri looks like she borrowed that hairstyle from Wanda Wayne.
Okay, I am a bit offended by his ignorance. Reggae didn’t go anywhere. His lack of knowledge in regards to reggae is quite insulting. Reggae is played in a forum for those who have roots tied to the islands or those who enjoy the music. Reggae is not just a music it is a culture. As far as Bruno Mars and Rihanna are concerned, they have achieved success by fusing reggae and pop music and branding it as their own (it’s not something that is new). It’s just that they are mainstream artist who followed a prescription that was already set out by people like Beenie Man (who fused reggae and pop), Lady Saw and No Doubt (who fused reggae and pop), Kymani and Damian Marley as well as Nas (who fused reggae and hip hop)and so many others before/after them. Actually Rap is a genre born out of reggae music on the streets of New York, where there were so many Caribbean Island cultures living in such close proximity came together to create such a successful fusion of music… His ignorance irritates me!!! Reggae didn’t go anywhere, there is no comeback! Reggae is here to stay just like R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Pop, Punk, Heavy Metal, Rock N Roll, Reggaeton, Soca, Calypso, Jazz, ect. If ignorance is bliss then I would say Ne-Yo is darn happy!!!! Pretty soon he will be saying he put Jamaica on the map with his Compound Island Record Company… And some Jamaican’s who are blinded by status, the entertainment business, or by entertainers will agree!!!!! SMH!!!
Note to Neyo: Come to the DMV Reggae bangs all the time out here!!!
~Sincerly Lady (from Jamaican parents) and Island musical influences!!!
So why is Keri in every single pic with Ne-Yo…
I wish him the best but he bores me.
thats Shaggy? I thought that was Mike Epps
I don’t usually comment but @Lady you are spot on! Reggae has never gone anywhere!!
Reggae never left
Kudos @ Lady
Poor Ne-Yo thinks he is doing something and saving reggae. He obviously doesn’t know any better.
Is Keri Hilson his new beard or is he hers?