VP Records celebrates 40th anniversary

VP Records, the world’s largest reggae music company, has announced a year-long calendar of activities in celebration of its 40 years in the United States.

The year will feature a variety of music and cultural events, products, historical exhibits and experiences, in Jamaica, across the U.S., Toronto, Canada and London, England.

“VP is integral to the history of reggae and dancehall music. We take this responsibility seriously and we are using our 40th anniversary to celebrate the music’s rich heritage as we steward the genre into the future,” said company president Randy Chin.

“A major focus for the anniversary is highlighting the company’s commitment to the development, promotion, and globalisations of Jamaican music,” Chin said.

Romain Virgo

VP Records has signed some of the biggest names in reggae, dancehall and soca for 40 years. The list includes Dennis Brown, Barrington Levy, and Freddie McGregor to Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, and Tarrus Riley.

The label’s current roster includes Alborosie, Jah Cure, Raging Fyah, Gyptian, Beres Hammond, Queen Ifrica, Ikaya, Jah9, Fay-Ann Lyons, Christopher Martin, Maxi Priest, Busy Signal, Spice, Romain Virgo, and Spiritual.

Ikaya

The 40th anniversary celebrations will see the staging of Strictly the Best in Montego Bay on January 30.  There will also be a Reggae Music Journey exhibition at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay as well as the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.