Ne-Yo has reached a new milestone in his role as the senior vice president of artist and repertoire at Motown Records.  The Grammy Award-winner has signed his first international act, singer and songwriter Sonna Rele, to a recording contract at the storied Motown music label.

Ne-Yo discovered London-raised Sonna after he came across Facebook clips showing her playing guitar and singing.  Things came full-circle last week when Ne-Yo presented Sonna with a record deal during a London performance, sponsored by MasterCard.  "There is a quality about Sonna’s voice that lingers in your ears after she performs a song," Ne-Yo says in a statement.  "Her musicianship, which caught my attention via her 'Music Monday' videos on Facebook, is refreshing and undeniably authentic."

Sonna, who continues to post her "Music Monday" clips on Facebook, says in a statement, "I’m very humbled that a global superstar like Ne-Yo supports my music wholeheartedly enough to present me with a recording contract with Motown Records.  I’ve been working hard for this moment and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.  It’s going to be an amazing journey ahead."

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