A lyricist is looking for sponsorship after being invited to take part in the New York International Music Festival, in Madison Square Gardens, in November.

Sunderland-born Graham Jevon, also known as rapper GeJay, won the chance to perform in the US after sending four of his tracks to competition organisers.

The 16-year-old is the first UK artist to be invited to the annual festival, which will be attended by more than 1,000 industry professionals.

Graham has just finished his GCSE exams and is working on his debut album at Durham's White Wolf Recording Studios with Nottingham producer Produkt. The album is due for release in September.

Although he is not signed to a major label at the moment, Graham has received firm interest from a number of executives in the UK and US.

He recently won the BBC Radio 1xtra Homegrown talent competition for unsigned UK urban music artists,.

To sponsor Graham, log on to www.gejay.co.uk or call (01325) 505269.

Published: 17/06/2004