DANCEHALL singjay Blak Ryno has signed up-and-coming deejay Linky First to his Garrison Records label. The signing took place earlier this week at the label’s New York-based headquarters.

“Linky First is very talented, and I will be spending the time to develop his talent, any riddim that I record on, you can look out for a song from him as well. I will also be in charge of his bookings and ensuring that he gets on stage shows, and the world gets to discover his talent,” said Blak Ryno.

A Jamaican who resides in New York, Linky First (real name Jason Henriques) hails from Old Harbour in St Catherine. He also plays drums, piano and saxophone.

Blak Ryno, who now assumes the role of a music executive, said his label was started nearly three years ago. However, the time is now ideal to embark on his talent search.

Blak Ryno has already recorded a single, Beautiful, featuring Linky First.

“Making music is good, but as I have come to learn, the industry is more about the business than the music itself and many artistes fail to recognise that. This, I believe, is a great business move,” he said.

Blak Ryno, a former member of the Vybz Kartel-led Portmore Empire, is no stranger to business. In March last year, he, along with Canadian partners, launched a purified bottled water called Island Water.

Ryno, whose given name is Romaine Anderson, is known for hits including Mi Lef and Bike Back.