Hailing from Barbados, young R&B singer/songwriter Shontelle Layne gained fame in the Caribbean with her 2005 single “Colours,” recorded with another Barbadian vocalist, Natahlee. The following year, Shontelle penned the hit “Roll It Gal” for Alison Hinds. She released her own version (shortened to “Roll It”) in ’07, with a guest appearance from her friend Rihanna. In the wake of Rihanna’s massive worldwide success, Shontelle was finally signed to Motown Records, scoring a U.S. hit with her 2008 single and releasing her debut album, SHONTELLIGENCE, the same year.
