Alpha Rowen - File

By Tanola Jackson, Star Writer

Alpha Rowen, born Owen Maxwell Rowe, is no stranger to the entertainment world.

Rowe got his first break in entertainment as a break dancer for the group, Eagles, back in the early '80s. After six years of dancing, Rowe left the group and began running his own business, which lasted for another five years.

Then in 1992 after not feeling fulfilled, he returned to his first love-singing, which he had always been interested in from the tender age of six.

"Well, from a young age I use to love to sing. Then I started dancing, an' at dat time, people use to still tell me dat mi can sing. Den after that I started doing music again," Rowe said.

After two years, Rowe wrote and recorded his first single Tell Me Teacher, which did not gain the attention that he wanted. He, then recorded some demos and sent them to his brother, overseas, who was rather impressed by what he had heard, and Rowe, who was known back then as Rolex, started recording for him on the Ancient Mystic record label.

Successful single

In 2000, Rowe went to London where he was introduced to Carl Palmer, CEO for Jet Star Records, who listened to some of his recorded tracks and then asked him to record a track on the 'Legalize It' rhythm. The single was a success and Jet Star decided to sign Rowe on a three-year deal in November 2000, where he recorded his first album entitled, 'The Teacher'.

Rowe has so far performed on shows like 'Follow Di Arrow' this year, 'Pepsi Teen Splash 2006', 'Tastee Talent Finals' and 'Original Dancehall Jam Jam' as well as other major shows like Rebel Salute, Sting and Reggae Sunsplash.

He is currently in studios recording and has recently released some new songs entitled Thank You, Days Are Numbered, Red Hot, Ungrateful-ness, Tell Me Teacher, What Can I Do Lord, Burning Hell, Please Shotta and More Criminals.

There is a lot more to expect from this conscious artiste, whose great sound and positive music can go a far way.