by Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Romain Virgo - Nathaniel Stewart

From an unknown to a rising star, the journey of 2007's Digicel Rising Stars winner Romain Virgo continues to be a bright one.

Fans instantly accepted 17-year-old Romain Virgo after winning the Digicel's Rising Stars 2007 in October. Virgo shone throughout the competition, belting a powerful voice from a small frame.

Since the competition Virgo has been appearaning at major stage shows across the island, such as Original Jam Jam, Teen Splash and Nyammings and Jammings.

With more songs on the way, Virgo continues to rise with his original new singles This Love and Always On My Mind. The artiste is also looking forward to working with producer Donovan Germaine who has taken an interest in him.

This Love will be Virgo's first release as a part of his Rising Stars contract and Jamaica will soon see a different side to the young entertainer as he takes on the role of songwriter.

"I wrote This Love before the Rising Stars competition started. Its basically a love song about a girl I love and all the things I want her to do for me, and me for her," Romain told The STAR, adding that it was not written from his personal experiences.

A video for This Love was recently shot at Suga Man Beach Club in Portmore with young Virgo showing off more than his vocal skills. A shirtless singer tantalises the ladies with his lithe physique. While some may say Virgo is too young to be showing off flesh, he felt comfortable with the video claiming that many persons like it.

The women in particular are sweet on Virgo as seen at last year's staging of the Old Harbour Fish and Bammy Festival where Romain was mobbed by overzealous female fans. According to Virgo its just a part of the job, "I get a huge reaction from the female fans but I enjoy it, it means that people really love me and my music."

So far the Rising Stars experience has been clear sailing for Virgo who says that being in the show has changed his life.

"It's been tremendous, I've travelled almost the entire Jamaica and I've performed everywhere. Coming from a poor family and reaching this far makes me feel humble."

Expecting nothing but the best musically for the future, the Rising Star is also continuing his education and plans to attend the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in September.