Zen tugs at heart strings with ‘Over You’ for Overproof Records

For years, independent music label Overproof Records has quietly built a reputation for discovering emerging talent from western Jamaica and helping propel artists onto the national stage.

Now, Asa “Ace” Smith, the label’s founder and chief executive officer, believes he has found another promising addition to that legacy.

This artiste is (drum roll please) Zen, a young singer-songwriter from St. James whose debut single, “Over You” was released on 12 June 2026 across all major digital streaming platforms.

The song explores themes of heartbreak, resilience and the search for genuine affection, following a protagonist overcoming the emotional fallout of a toxic relationship.

“Zen is going to blow up with his great writing and incredible vocals,” Smith said confidently. “The song is not explicit it’s heartfelt, powerful and tells a story that a lot of people can relate to.”

Born in Montego Bay and raised in the rural community of Rosemount in Cambridge St James, Zen developed a love for music from an early age. His journey began in the church choir before expanding into school performances while attending Cambridge High School.

There, his vocal abilities continued to flourish. He became an active member of the school’s choir and earned recognition as a finalist in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Festival of the Arts, one of the country’s most respected platforms for emerging talent.

After high school, however, Zen’s path into the music industry took an unexpected turn.

Rather than immediately pursuing a career as a singer, he began producing music and creating beats under the name “Alpha”. The experience gave him valuable insight into songwriting, arrangement and production before he eventually stepped behind the microphone himself and adopted the stage name “Zen”.

Since then, he has cultivated a style rooted in authentic storytelling, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the realities of everyday life.

Today, his music reflects a blend of gospel influences, choir training and contemporary Jamaican sounds, creating a musical identity that balances spirituality, emotion and modern appeal.

Smith believes that combination could prove particularly appealing to audiences looking for substance amid an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“We have to seize the opportunity to invest and elevate our music to the world.”

The philosophy reflects Smith’s long-term commitment to artist development, an approach that has helped Overproof Records establish itself as a respected independent force within Jamaica’s music industry

With “Over You” making its debut and a growing support team behind him, Zen now stands at the beginning of a journey that many young artists dream about but few successfully navigate.

For Smith and Overproof Records, the hope is that the singer’s combination of strong songwriting, polished vocals and positive messaging will resonate with listeners and establish him as the label’s next breakout success.