A distraction called Ne-Yo
Published:Sunday | February 12, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:The American rhythm and blues singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor Ne-Yo succeeded in commanding the attention of some of the most beautiful party people in the island during the recent jazz festival weekend at three major events in the tourism capital.
Ne-Yo partnered with Secrets Resort and Spa, Montego Bay, where he fêted singer Keri Hilson, Adrienne Bailon, Shaggy, Agent Sasco, Tifa, I-Octane, Chino and Rockmond Dunbar at his Compound Island beach party at the Seawind Beach Club.
On Friday, January 27, guests were privy to the pre-screening of his latest film, Red Tails, at the Palace Multiplex at Fairview. Ne-Yo plays Andrew 'Smoky' Salem in the film.
"Jamaica is one of our favourite islands to vacation. With the release of the movie Red Tails being one week prior to our visit, we thought it would be great idea to do a screening of the movie abroad and do our part to further tell this very important story that took place in black history," says Compound Island's president and chief operations officer, Tishawn Gayle.
But it was the invitation-only, exclusive, sought-after beach party that had tongues wagging and sponsors such as Digicel ready to sign on the dotted line, committing to a three-year contract.
The other major sponsor is Wisynco, while companies supporting the event were Select Brands, Red Stripe and Appleton Jamaica.
Compound Island's local representatives, Stayce Ingram, Karelle Phillips and Andy Sergeant pulled the event together.