R&B artist NE-YO signs UK-bred Sonna Rele to Motown Records

Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, actor and philanthropist NE-YO has signed singer/songwriter and bourgeoning ing̩nue Sonna Rele to a recording contract with renowned music label Universal Motown. With intent to make the occasion memorable, NE-YO – also the Senior Vice President of Artist & Repertoire (A&R) at the recording shop – surprised Sonna by presenting her with the life-altering record deal onstage during his performance at MasterCard�۪s ‘Priceless Gig’ show, held on 7th March in London, England. NE-YO discovered Sonna, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, while perusing her captivating ‘MusicMonday’ clips on her Facebook page.

On signing Sonna, NE-YO stated, ���There is a quality about Sonna�۪s voice that lingers in your ears after she performs a song. Her musicianship, which caught my attention via her ‘Music Monday’ videos on Facebook, is refreshing and undeniably authentic.�۝

An excited Sonna shared, ���I�۪m very humbled that a global superstar like NE-YO supports my music wholeheartedly enough to present me with a recording contract with Universal Motown Records. I�۪ve been working hard for this moment and I�۪m truly grateful for this opportunity. It�۪s going to be an amazing journey ahead.�۝

UK export Sonna has generated a palpable buzz with her soaring soprano and knack for delivering sonic performances sans a backing band. Her acoustic versions of songs by Mumford & Sons and Ellie Goulding, in addition to her self-penned originals, reflect her diverse musical palette and innate talent to transform songs into her own.

Multi-faceted entertainer NE-YO, whose recent album R.E.D. spawned the top ten Billboard Hot 100 hit “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)”, has been the go-to scribe for such artists as Rihanna, Usher, Beyonce and Enrique Iglesias. The success of his solo projects have amassed over 8 million albums and more than 23 million singles sold worldwide. His artistic endeavors have also included roles in Stomp The Yard, Save The Last Dance, and most recently George Lucas�۪ Red Tails. In addition to his executive role as Senior Vice President of A&R at Universal Motown Records, NE-YO heads The Compound Foundation, which provides resources for children in foster care.