February 5, 2012 13:12

Tulisa drafts in Rihanna songwriter for debut solo album

Former N-Dubz singer working with Jean-Baptiste Kouame on forthcoming record

Photo: PA

Tulisa Contostavlos has called in producer and writer Jean-Baptiste Kouame to help get her debut solo album back on track.

He has worked with Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Cheryl Cole and Kelis in recent years, making him one of the most reliable hitmakers in the industry.

Since N-Dubz announced they were going their separate ways, 'X Factor' judge Tulisa had been working with former bandmate and boyfriend Fazer on the record, but that has since changed due to the pair breaking up earlier this year.

Def Jam records A&R man Max Rousse apparently recommended she hook up with the star producer and finish recording the album in Los Angeles.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "Jean is behind some of the biggest hits of the past decade.

"Tulisa worked with him a couple of years ago when she was in LA working on N-Dubz's third album. They hit it off immediately and have kept in touch ever since."

The singer, who recently signed a deal to write an autobiography and two novels, hopes to release her first solo album in May.