Ne-Yo to Promote Reggae Music With New Record Label

Ne-Yo has made a name for himself penning hits for some of music's biggest stars and now the accomplished singer-songwriter wants to use his talents to promote Jamaican artists. As reported by the Jamaican Observer, Ne-Yo, will open a new sector of his Compound Entertainment imprint, Compound Island, which will solely focus will be on Jamaican talent.

Additionally, the Las Vegas native will give locals a shot at music stardom, allowing them to submit their music through an online talent search. "Reggae music is global music; you can go anywhere to hear it. You can go to Australia and hear it," he said of the decision to embark on the new business venture. "We chose Jamaica because of its rich legacy of producing some of the world's biggest recording artists, be it in notoriety or album sales," added his business partner Tishawn Gayle.

To launch the new label, Ne-Yo will hold back-to-back parties over Jamaica's Emancipation weekend, on July 29 and 30. The two-night extravaganza will kick-off at Negril's Village Board Walk Friday night, a venue for the second party, which has been labeled a "pajama party," has not been released. "At Compound Entertainment we bring the total party experience," he said. "We put on THE party."

Aside from running the label, Ne-Yo is also prepping the release of his untitled fifth album, which is slated for a September release.