Tanto Metro, Devonte

JAMAICA'S MUSIC took another big step over last weekend with the signing of rising stars Tanto Metro and Devonte to the global record company, Sony Records. The deal was inked here in Jamaica and though kept somewhat low-keyed, is generating quite a bit of excitement in the Shocking Vibes camp, managers of the artistes.

Public Relations manager Clyde McKenzie told The Gleaner that the deal was for sometime in the making and has now been made official. The deal immediately involves the duo's debut album Everyone Falls In Love which was previously released and handled by VP Records.

Confident

According to Mr. McKenzie, Sony negotiated with Penthouse Records, producer of the album and VP Records the original distributor to secure the deal. "This is a very good album and the guys were always confident that things would happen. They are overjoyed," Patrick Roberts, artistes' manager explained.

Although the deal initially deals with Everyone Falls In Love, it leaves open the option for five more albums. "They have decided to take the album and work it, because they think it has potential," said Clyde McKenzie. "We are very happy because of the platform on which it will place the artistes to work. This will include a lot of major publicity, inclusive of radio and TV interviews and touring," he added.

The album and the single had been doing well through the independent company VP, hitting the Billboard R&B and rap singles chart in prime positions in recent weeks.

Modesty

The Gleaner caught up with Tanto Metro, who was a picture of modesty. "We are excited yes, but we won't go overboard because the work is really ahead of us. Personally, I have been in this business a very long time. I consider myself a young veteran. Many people have gotten frustrated and given up but my perseverance is paying off. I am truly grateful. I would like for the young artistes to use this as an example and see that if they continue to work hard and maintain their standards, good things will come ultimately," he said.