The name Christopher Birch has become synonymous with hit singles on the local and international market. In fact, the acclaimed producer has dozens of musical masterpieces in his repertoire, among them Shaggy’s Hey Sexy Lady, Konshen’s Bruk Off Yuh Back, and Wayne Marshall’s Marshall Town. Highlighting that his ear for music is still as sharp, the renowned producer has tapped Puerto-Rican-American singer Rielle to make huge waves across the region.

Birch, who has also worked with the likes of Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Capleton, Sizzla Kalonji, and Lady Saw, says Rielle’s latest single Sail Away could see her becoming the region’s next crossover talent.

“Rielle is a dynamic talent with a unique sound that bridges cultures. She’s a breath of fresh air; an amazing writer, singer, and voice,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “She has good energy, good spirit, and she’s going to be a major player in this business as long as she puts her energy and focus into what she’s doing.”

For Birch, Rielle represents an exciting new chapter in music. He expressed that, while some may view Rielle as a non-dancehall artiste experimenting with the genre, recent endorsements from the likes of Busta Rhymes and Gyptian speaks to her potential.

He went on to state that Rielle’s decision to dabble in dancehall music should show the immense impact the genre has on artistes globally, rather than being met with negativity because of her nationality.

“I don’t put her in a box. She’s an aspiring artiste with talent to be reckoned with,” he emphasised. “Music is my life. I don’t work; I have fun and, with Rielle in the mix, the fun is just beginning. She is going places and has already earned the ear of Busta Rhymes and Gyptian. Here emergence on the music scene just further underscores Jamaica’s continued influence on the global music scene.”

Birch went on to share that, as he continues to make his contributions towards the development of the industry, his aim is to introduce a fresh fusion of dancehall, reggae, and pop to the global stage.

He says Rielle, whose given name is Gabrielle Santo, is the perfect talent to do just that as she has the potential to genre-blend masterfully.

Music executive Mark Pinnock, to whose label Rielle is signed, says the singer has been steadily carving out her space in the industry. He anticipates that support for her music will continue to grow as her audience expands.