Hot Gyal Anthem |

Teenage singing sensation, Samantha J has finalized a record deal with acclaimed American label, Columbia Records.

Teenage Jamaican singing sensation, Samantha J, who burst onto the music scene last year with her hit single, Tight Up Skirt, has signed a record deal with major American label, Columbia Records.

According to reports Monday, the 17-year-old singer, whose real name is Samantha Gonsalves came to terms with Columbia, a label under the umbrella of Sony Music Entertainment and will be working with the label soon once she completes her exams. TMZ, who claims to have obtained a copy of the contract, reports the singer will be collecting 16% of sales and advances that could exceed US$1 million, depending on how long she stays with the label.

In a statement, Samantha J, who is currently on a promotional tour across North American, said, “I cannot express how happy I am to be a part of the Columbia Records family. The label has a rich history of developing great artistes and music. As soon as I have my exams under my belt, I can’t wait to get back to producing music and most of all making Jamaica proud.”

Playing on Red Rat’s classic hit with the same name, Tight Up Skirt,produced by Washroom Entertainment, garnered a lot of buzz forSamantha J since its release last summer, with the video for her debut single topping two million views on YouTube. She won the Youth View Award for Favorite Breakout Celebritythanks to the single and even performed it on BET’s 106 and Park last December, nearly two months after the video was premiered on the station.

She has since released her follow-up single, Hot Gyal Anthem, also produced by Washroom Entertainment and featured on several interviews locally and overseas.

Samantha J joins prominent Jamaican acts such as Peter Tosh, Ini Kamoze, Tony Rebel, Mad Cobra and Tigerwho have previously signed with Columbia Records.