Ne-Yo Appointed Motown Records VP

By Joseph Akahome

R&B singer Ne-Yo has assumed the office of vice president at the legendary music label Motown, the label has announced.

His new position will see him overseeing production, song writing, mentoring the label’s artists as well as talent hunting.

The 32-year-old, born Shaffer Chimere Smith Jr., who had previously inked a deal with Def Jam records, is expected to release his fifth studio album on the label. His fourth album, ‘Libra Scale’, was released on November, 20, 2012.

He spoke on the recent appointment, expressing happiness and even admitted being ‘terrified’ at the turn of events.

‘I’m honoured that I’ve been given such a prestigious title, ‘these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it’, Ne-Yo said.

Motown, founded April, 1960, has a rich history, working with notable African-American artistes, including Diana Ross, the Jackson 5 from which emerged the king of pop, Michael Jackson as well as Lionel Richie, Brian McKnight to Erykah Badu.

Chief executive officer of the label, Barry Weiss said: ‘This move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012’.

Ne-Yo released four albums with Def Jam, earning a total of 4.3M record sales in the US, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

His debut record, which was released in 2006, featured his first number one single ‘So Sick’.

His 2008 album ‘Year of the Gentleman’ reached number two in the UK, with the single ‘Closer’ topping the singles chart.  In addition to a successful recording career, Ne-Yo has amassed a catalogue of chart-topping songs that he has written for other artists, including the lyrics for ‘Let Me Love You’ for singer Mario.