Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Ne-Yo will be adding his own celebrity touch to Emancipation Weekend with 'Champagne Life' and 'Feel the Rhythm'.

Scheduled for Friday, July 29 to Saturday, July 30, Ne-Yo will be in the island partying and performing. The brainchild of his newly formed Compound Island, Friday features his All-White welcome party 'Champagne Life', and then on Saturday Ne-Yo & Friends will be in the Jungle Nightclub for live performances. Event coordinator for Compound Island, Karelle Phillips, told The STAR, "Friday night is Champagne Life at the Boardwalk in Negril.This will be a super-inclusive beach party from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Then on Saturday is 'Feel the Rhythm' at the Jungle from 10 p.m to 4 a.m, where Ne-Yo will perform alongside some overseas persons, but we're not ready to drop the names as yet."

According to Phillips, Ne-Yo will be in Jamaica for a few days during that time, and will be attending not only his parties, but ATI events on Friday and Saturday in the day. "He's super excited to be coming, he can't wait to get here. It's not when celebrities come here the day of the event and fly out right after, he'll be here for a few days partying and mixing and mingling," Phillips said.

Phillips says the response to the events has been going well and he is not worried about the other two big weekends happening in Negril at the same time - Dream and ATI weekend. She said, "The response has been going good, people are excited 'cause it's something different. Friday night, we're expecting more of a mature crowd, persons who are not into ATI and Dream, and it's going to be a nice vibe. Saturday night will be a more mixed crowd, 'cause the kids will be wanting to come and see Ne-Yo perform." DJ Delano, Narity and Collin Hines will be providing the music for Champagne Life.

Phillips hinted that Ne-Yo might not be the only celebrity partying for his Compound Weekend as other international acts might be dropping in as well. In June, the R&B singer, known for songs such as Closer and One In A Million, announced the formation of his Compound Island record label and upcoming party series. The label will be looking to explore local talent.