For nearly a decade, Jamaica-based independent music imprint Overproof Records has built a quiet, trusted legacy: unearthing underpromising raw talent from the island’s western region, and nurturing local underground buzz into country-wide acclaim. Now, the label’s founder and chief executive, Asa “Ace” Smith, says he has found his next rising star primed to make that iconic leap.
The label’s latest signing is Zen, a St James-born singer-songwriter whose deeply personal debut single *Over You* dropped June 12 on every major global streaming platform. The emotionally evocative track weaves a narrative of heartbreak, post-toxic relationship healing and quiet resilience, following a protagonist grappling to let go of lingering trauma from an unhealthy partnership while holding out hope for authentic connection and lasting love.
“Zen is going to blow up — his songcraft is exceptional, and his vocal delivery is one-of-a-kind,” Smith said in an upbeat interview. “This track isn’t just catchy; it’s heartfelt, powerful, and tells a story that so many listeners can see themselves in. That’s the kind of music that sticks.”
Raised in the rural Rosemount community of Cambridge, St James, and born in the coastal hub of Montego Bay, Zen cut his musical teeth in the church. It was as a member of his local congregation’s choir that he first fell in love with singing, before expanding his performance experience through school productions while attending Cambridge High School. His natural vocal talent quickly caught the eye of industry adjudicators: during his school years, he became a leading choir member and eventually earned a spot as a finalist in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Festival of the Arts, one of the nation’s most prestigious platforms for emerging Jamaican creative talent.
Unlike many young artists who rush into the spotlight, Zen carved his path into the music industry through an unconventional route. Before stepping into the booth as a recording artist, he cut his teeth behind the scenes as a producer, crafting original beats and instrumentals under the alias “Alpha.” This behind-the-scenes tenure gave him a nuanced, hands-on understanding of song structure, arrangement, and studio technique — skills that have already set his work apart as a frontman.
When he finally made the shift from production to performance, he adopted the stage name Zen and built his artistic identity around authentic, autobiographical storytelling. His sound merges his gospel and choral roots with modern Jamaican musical sensibilities, resulting in a style that balances spiritual depth, raw emotional honesty, and contemporary appeal, all anchored by intentional, meaningful lyricism.
That one-of-a-kind combination is exactly what makes Zen stand out in an oversaturated global music market, Smith argues. It also aligns perfectly with Overproof Records’ long-held core philosophy: “At Overproof Records, we have to seize every opportunity to invest in and elevate our music to the world,” Smith explained. This approach has been the backbone of the label’s steady growth: rather than chasing fleeting viral trends, the imprint prioritizes long-term artist development, cultivating acts with the staying power to shape Jamaican music for years to come.
With *Over You* out in the world and a full team invested in his growth, Zen is now at the starting line of a career journey that thousands of aspiring Jamaican artists dream of, but only a select few successfully launch. For Smith and the entire Overproof Records team, the expectation is clear: Zen’s blend of sharp songwriting, polished vocals, and uplifting, relatable messaging will resonate with listeners across Jamaica and far beyond, cementing his place as the label’s next breakout success.