Wayne Wonder no longer with VP Records

Grammy nominated reggae singer Wayne Wonder, having finally secured his release from VP Records, says he is now ready to soar and is eagerly anticipating a wealth of success starting now and into the New Year.

An affable artiste, known for his quick smile which goes all the way to his eyes, has been battling challenges which have resulted in his career being put temporarily on pause for close to two years.

"It was quite unfortunate that the dispute with the record company escalated, but all that is water under the bridge now," the suave singer explained, sounding very relieved.

"I am ready to work. As a matter of fact, it's more appropriate to say that the work is continuing and I know that all Wayne Wonder fans are going to love it," the artiste christened Von Wayne Charles declared with more than a tinge of excitement in his voice.

Already, Wayne has released a few new singles, working with top reggae and dancehall producers and also wearing the producer's cap himself.

The song, If I Ever, produced by Wayne on his own SINGSO/ NYAMCASH label and mixed by Tony Kelly, has been doing quite well on iTunes. Debuting at No four on the iTunes Reggae Charts. It has been getting excellent reaction from radio and sound systems throughout the world, and may very well be on its way to being another signature tune for the smooth-voiced singer.

Wayne has also teamed up with dancehall group, TOK on a track which is making the rounds locally and overseas. Entitled Girl Dem Follow, it was produced by Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor on his new Winnings riddim. Additionally, Wayne is set for six shows in Japan which culminate on Boxing Day. He will be performing at venues in Tokyo, Zurich, Kyoto, Alchi, Ibaraki and Numazu.

Wayne Wonder has enjoyed quite a bit of success in reggae music. His career exploded globally in 2003 when his album No Holding Back and the single No Letting Go were released on the major label, Atlantic Records. The smooth single dominated Urban and Pop radio in America -- reaching No 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop chart -- and the album, No Holding Back received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, a MOBO Award in the UK, three BMI Urban awards, and a live performance on NBC's Saturday Night Live. The follow-up single and video Bounce Along reached #12 on the UK pop charts.

His inspired version of Hold Me Now (originally recorded by the Thompson Twins) appeared on the soundtrack for the 2004 flick, 50 First Dates, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore and was produced by No Doubt's Tony Kanal with a video directed by Gil Green for Madonna's Maverick Records label.

Wayne Wonder also anchored the hit track Anything Goes for the Def Jamaica compilation which received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. These songs, among so many of his bonafide hits have been crowd favourites as he headlined an extensive world tour with his Entourage Band in 2004-05 performing in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa

Wayne, as his career evolves, reaffirms his pledge to "always empower fans with clean, positive songs".

Source: Jamaica Observer