Reality TV alumnus Romain Virgo has become a genuine success since winning Digicel Rising Star, Jamaica's equivalent to the popular [Insert Country Here] Idol series. Under the guidance of revered producers Shane Brown from Jukebox Records and Penthouse Records' Donovan Germain, The System has big shoes to fill as a follow-up to Virgo's acclaimed self-titled debut.
On 25 October 2010, the music world lost legend Gregory Isaacs in physical form following a battle with liver cancer. A legend never really dies though, and Isaacs is testament to that as he lives on through a slew of classics. Isaacs’ career started out in the late 1960s, becoming one of the most highly touted reggae exports by the late ‘70s. Despite two major label record deals his mainstream career didn’t take off as some hoped, but he remained an elite reggae artist until his passing. And really, who judges music on mainstream success anyway?
Leading reggae and dancehall label VP collaborate with renowned saxophonist/producer Dean Fraser to spruce up many of the Cool Ruler's anthems on We Remember Gregory Isaacs.
Romain Virgo began singing in his local church choir as a youngster after his talent was spotted by a neighbour. During high school, he became lead singer of the school’s choir, with whom he finished runners-up on Jamaica's nationally televised competition, All Together, in 2006.
Following encouragement from people who saw him lead the choir, Romain entered the soloist equivalent, Rising Stars, later that year. Unfortunately, he failed to make it to the finals, but the confidence gained from positive feedback helped the then 17 year-old try again in 2007. Not only did he make it through, he became the youngest singer to win the competition.
Since winning, the singer-songwriter has gone on to become one of the most promising young reggae singers, currently working under the wing of legendary producer Donovan Germain. Germain's Penthouse record label has been very influential to the careers of some of reggae and dancehall's biggest artists and producers from previous decades including Beres Hammond, Garnett Silk, Wayne Wonder, Sanchez, Buju Banton and producer Dave Kelly.