Forever Wealthy Records carves space for rising Jamaican music acts

Long before he relocated to the United States, Alemu Reid had been thinking about ways to open doors for up-and-coming Jamaican artistes. He had listened to their stories about scarce studio access, weak management structures and difficulty getting their music heard.

That concern eventually shaped his career path. Reid pursued studies in music production, business management and entertainment management at Full Sail University in Florida, then began mapping out how he could give young performers a stronger foothold in the industry.

The outcome was Forever Wealthy Records, launched three years ago. Now 24, Reid heads the imprint, which has gradually grown its profile while collaborating with both newcomers and seasoned names in the business.

"Music has always been a passion of mine from a young age. Growing up around different sounds and experiences in Jamaica inspired me to create something meaningful and use music as a way to tell real-life stories," Reid told the Jamaica Observer recently.

"The main objective of the label is to build a strong platform for talented artistes; create timeless music; and represent a lifestyle of growth, success, and elevation," he added.

The label's roster of collaborators includes Bricky Music, dancehall act Jamal and producer Papi Don. Reid said his attention at the moment is on grooming fresh acts through a tie-up with RVS Entertainment.

"Right now I'm focusing on developing new artistes through a partnership with RVS Entertainment. Some of the artistes include Bricky Music, Prince Salah, NR Code, and others," he said.

A standout moment for Reid was his contribution to Jamal's debut album, Rated D For Dunce, which dropped last year.

"Yes, I contributed to Jamal's début album Rated D for Dunce, where I produced the tracks Forever Wealthy and All the Time. I also partnered with Papi Don Music on Jamal's single Motivate," Reid disclosed while reflecting on his growing body of work.

He described the road so far as demanding but worthwhile, marked by steady learning and persistence.

"The journey has been challenging but rewarding. It's been a lot of learning, growth, and staying consistent despite obstacles. What sets us apart is our authenticity, pushing new talent, our message, and our commitment to quality. We're not just making music, we're building a brand and a legacy. Our sound is rooted in dancehall but blends modern and international influences. It's melodic, energetic, and relatable," Reid explained.

Forever Wealthy Records' newest offering is the Too Force rhythm, issued on April 17. The project leans heavily on emerging voices, with Bricky Music among the featured artistes.