http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur52461.cfm

Jamaica Observer's Kevin Jackson writes:

*Eurweb readers, welcome to Inside the Caribbean, which is aimed at
providing updates about entertainment and lifestyle stories from across
the Caribbean.
Jamaican singer Jovi Rockwell signs with Epic Records
       Singer Jovi Rockwell is the latest Jamaican artiste to join
the Epic Records roster. Epic Records is an American record label. It
is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment. The label was
founded in 1953 as a jazz label, and was eventually expanded to several
genres of music. The label manages several imprints as well.
 
     
Rockwell who is also signed to Uprize Music, which has distribution
through Epic, says the deal with Epic calls for five albums. 'Being
signed to Epic means a bunch of different and great things for me.  I
mean a major label like Epic will distribute your product and help to
get things going. I am hoping it will take my career to the next
level', Rockwell said via telephone from her Florida home recently.
 
     
Richard Myrie, CEO of Uprize Music who played a role in the
negotiations with Epic, commented. 'Jovi is one of the better female
artistes in Jamaica, and she has a different style to bring. She also
has that crossover, funky, pop vibe that you just cannot miss. I saw
where she needed an international push, and we're working on her debut
album which we are looking at possibly releasing later this year', said
Myrie.
 
      Rockwell gained attention in Jamaica with the
songs Party On (from Don Corleon's Junkanoo rhythm); 'Its All About
Love', Hey (with Courtney John) and You're Gonna Need Me (with Mr
Vegas).
 
      Rockwell says her reggae and dancehall roots
will be evident on her album when its released. 'I still have my reggae
and dancehall element and I am merging both with a  bit of pop and
R&B on the album'.
 
      Myrie says a single for US radio
hasnt been decided yet, although his team have a few singles to choose
from. 'We're really excited about Jovi and so too is the label. They
definitely want her to keep her Caribbean vibe, but they also want to
promote her as a pop star'.
 
      A heavyweight cast of
producers have injected their talents on Rockwell's Epic Records debut.
Among them are Lil Boy Fresh, Chuck Harmony, and Mad Scientist.
 
     
Rockwell isnt the first Jamaican artiste to have joined the Sony Music
Entertainment empire.  Shabba Ranks was signed to Epic in the 1990's.
Columbia Records which falls under the Sony Music radar was also home
for a short time in the 1990's to Tony Rebel, Super Cat, Mad Cobra and
Tiger.
 
      Diana King was signed to Work, one of the
imprints under Epic);  Patra (signed to Epic Records imprint 550
Music); and Sean Kingston is signed to Beluga Heights,  an imprint
under the Sony Music umbrella. 
 
      Non Jamaican reggae
artiste, the Jewish Matisyahu, is signed to Sony, while Bermuda raised
reggae artiste Collie Buddz was recently dropped from Sony's Columbia
Records.
 
      R&B singer Glenn Lewis who was born in
Canada (and whose father is Jamaican singer Glen Ricketts aka Glen
Ricks), was signed to Epic in the 1990's. 
 
      Epic Records
is home to stellar lineup of R&B, pop and jazz acts including
Celine Dion, Natasha Beddingfield and Michael Jackson.