Cowell signs Tempah producer Labrinth

Simon Cowell has signed Tinie Tempah's producer Labrinth to his Syco Music label.

It is the first time in six years that the entertainment mogul has signed an artist with no affiliation to one of his reality TV shows.

Labrinth - real name Timothy McKenzie - co-wrote, produced and appeared on Tempah's hits 'Pass Out', which reached No.1 in March, and 'Frisky', which was pipped to the top spot this Sunday by the Cowell-produced Shout For England World Cup single.

The 21-year-old from Hackney, East London will release his debut solo single, 'Let The Sunshine', later this summer, with a full album to follow.

He is currently working on new material for Pixie Lott and JLS, with songwriting/production assignments for the likes of Jay-Z, Rihanna and Cheryl Cole lined up.

As part of the deal, Labrinth will also head up his own imprint label, Odd Child/Syco, whose aim will be "to discover and nurture new talent".

Other artists signed to Syco Music include Susan Boyle, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Westlife and Il Divo.