Spin D Music - Entertainment News

VP Records signs deal with distributor in Canada

Toronto, Canada: April 22nd 2008
Source: islandevents.com

VP Records has inked an exclusive distribution agreement with KOCH Entertainment, the largest independent distributor in Canada.

The deal covers VP Records repertoire, including new releases and catalogue albums from artists such as Mavado, Wayne Wonder, Beenie Man, Bunji Garlin, Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice and developing artists Tarrus Riley, Jamelody and Etana. It will also include the branded compilations Reggae Gold, Strictly the Best, Dancehall 101 and the critically-acclaimed Reggae Anthology. The newly launched 17 North Parade imprint will be a driver for catalogue development and repackaging.

"Signing a deal with VP Records marks a major moment in KOCH Entertainment's history," said Dominique Zgarka, President of KOCH Entertainment Canada. "We have grown into one of the strongest audio and video distributors in the industry, and now with the addition of VP Records, we are reaching the most enthusiastic customers for independent music. The label has become a crucial link between reggae music and culture and an ever-growing market of reggae enthusiasts around the world."

Releasing an average of 60 Reggae and Soca albums per year, VP is known for the hottest Caribbean artists and compilations. VP's Reggae Gold series is consistently the best-selling compilation in Reggae. Presenting major hits like Sean Paul's "Gimme the Light", "Give It To Her" by Tanto Metro & Devonte (which spent 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart), Wayne Wonder's massive "No Letting Go" and Busta Rhymes' "Make It Clap" remix featuring Sean Paul is a Reggae Gold tradition.

Other VP compilations Strictly the Best, Dancehall 101 and the Reggae Anthology series have also proven to be popular brands selling consistently year after year. While Strictly the Best focuses on the latest singles from singers and deejays on the hardcore dancehall circuit, Dancehall 101 provides a crash-course for those who are just discovering the dancehall genre, delivering "must haves" from every era of the dancehall explosion. The Reggae Anthology series explores major artists and producers in depth, with expert insightful notes and hard-to-find tunes that tell the full story of legendary figures in reggae and dancehall.

The initial album releases from VP Records will include Reggae Gold 2008 and Soca Gold 2008 compilations, Richie Spice "Gideon Boot" and the new Morgan Heritage studio album "Mission In Progress".