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.
Photos via The Life Files