Gyptian was enlisted for Blige's new single, "Anything You Want," which is expected to be on her new album. The reggae-infused track also features Busta Rhymes and has been receiving steady airplay since its release in early September.
This exciting concert collaboration was secured by Planet Reggae, the new booking division of VP Records/Greensleeves Records, with AEG, the world's #1 concert production company.
"These are the opportunities that come about by having the #1 record label in reggae enter the live-touring business," states Neil Robertson, head of Planet Reggae. "Our brand lends credibility and comfort for the major international talent buyers. When you combine that with a great artist like Gyptian and a manager like Ivor Ruddock, who both understand the bigger picture, you can expect more high profile opportunities which are good for the whole genre."
Gyptian has been heating up the UK scene recently, with his performance at BBC Radio 1Xtra Live in late September, and will return on October 20 for the MOBO Awards, where he's nominated for 'Reggae Artist of the Year.'
For more information on Gyptian, including his tour calendar, visit his artist profile at www.vprecords.com/gyptian. Please direct all press inquiries to the VP Records Publicity Department - Rhona Fox at 718-425-1151 or rhona.fox@vprecords.com.
Stephenson is being invited to join the WFP’s Board of Directors, US Congressional Committee Members and Special Representative for Global Partnerships in the Office of the Secretary of State, Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley. At the prestigious event, US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, will be presented with The George McGovern Leadership Award for her work in addressing the issue of global hunger. This award is given to individuals who have done stellar work in tackling the issue and Mrs Clinton is the tenth awardee.
Asked how he feels about being in such powerful company, Stephenson says he is humbled and excited at the same time: It's so inspiring to be in the company of global politicians and dedicated corporate partners who share the same values and aspirations to eradicate hunger. Food is a common bond that unites every single life form on this planet, we all require it to live, yet a billion people each night go to bed hungry and 25,000 of them die.
The Wailers and I are partners with the World Food Program and our song A Step for Mankind has helped to spread the message of the need for more action in addressing the issue of world hunger”.
Stephenson says his work with the World Food Program will continue as he sees the issue of world hunger as one that is very important to him: “I am happy to be there to see Secretary Clinton get this award as she has helped over the years to bring the problem of world hunger to the fore. The issue is one that affects a billion of our brothers, sisters and children in 80 countries. This award will bring added attention and raise awareness of the issue”.
Duane Stephenson is currently touring the US promoting his sophomore album Black Gold which was released on September 28. Black Gold follows Stephenson’s debut album, From August Town which was release by VP Records in 2007 and was hailed as one of that year's best reggae albums.
This new 15-track studio album with 14 original songs sees Stephenson working with legendary reggae producer, Dean Fraser, the mastermind behind the majority of production on Black Gold.
Black Gold encompasses Stephenson's growth mentally, emotionally, and musically. From ballads to roots reggae, his musical skills and heartfelt sentiments on this album will resonate with reggae fans and be sure to gain him new ones. Such is the quality of Black Gold , Steve 'Flash' Juon of Rapreviews.com raves that “...so powerful is his vocal tone and the diaphragm which pushes it out over the microphone that almost every word will make perfect sense to even the most jaded listener who thinks they can't understand Caribbean music...”
Duane Stephenson corners the roots reggae scene with his heartfelt lyrics and unmatched vocals. Following the success of his debut album, From August Town (VP Records, 2008), and a series of memorable stage performances and international tours, he now returns with the highly-anticipated Black Gold, released by VP Records on September 28, 2010. The 14-track recording showcases Stephenson's growth mentally, emotionally and musically, with reggae mastermind Dean Fraiser at the helm of much of its production. Black Gold is now available in stores and on iTunes.
The party kicks off at 7pm at famed live-music venue SOB's, located at 204 Varick Street in New York City. It will be hosted by 93.5 FM Linkup Radio broadcaster and publisher of JAMROCK Magazine, David "Squeeze" Annakie. Music will be provided by DJ Kevin Crown, DJ Paul Michael DJ Dezzie, spinning the best in reggae, dancehall, soca, hip-hop, R&B and much more, all night long.
For complimentary entry to this event, RSVP to press@vprecords.com by Monday, October 4 at 3pm. For further information on Duane Stephenson, visit his artist profile at www.vprecords.com/DuaneStephenson. Please direct all press inquiries to the VP Records Publicity Department - Rhona Fox at 718-425-1151 or rhona.fox@vprecords.com.
VP Records celebrates what is regarded as Alpha Blondy’s best work in his prolific career by undertaking this selected redistribution of his vast 17-album catalog. The albums have been out of the marketplace for several years but due to the high demand for these historical records, VP Records will again make them available to fans. The seven albums are Cocody Rock, Jerusalem and Apartheid Is Nazism releasing in October 2010, Masada and The Prophets dropping in December 2010, and Jah Glory and Revolution hitting shelves in January 2011.
Cocody Rock was first released in 1984 and set the stage for international stardom for the eclectic musician. The strong hooks of the sing-song title track established Blondy as a multi-lingual pop talent, with musicality and wit to spare.
Jerusalem debuted in 1986 and features the original Wailers Band (Bob Marley’s band) throughout the album. In keeping with its theme of the unification of Islamic, Jewish and Christian people through music, Blondy sings in English, French, Hebrew and his native language, Dioula.
Apartheid Is Nazism was originally released in 1985 and embraced the notion of ‘world music’ by addressing world issues, using the platform of pop music to deliver social messages to dance floors and radio audiences across the globe.
Alpha Blondy is thus credited with paving the way for reggae music in the international marketplace and his albums are considered classics in the genre. The re-releases of these albums will now relaunch Blondy in North America – a journey that will culminate with a new album and performance tour in 2011.
COCODY ROCK TRACK LISTING
1. Cocody Rock
2. Bory Samory
3. Téré
4. Super Powers
5. Interplanetary Revolution
6. Fangandan Kameleba
7. Cocody Rock (Dub)
8. Téré (Dub)
JERUSALEM TRACK LISTING
1. Jerusalem
2. Politiqui
3. Bloodshed In Africa
4. I Love Paris
5. Kalachinikov Love
6. Travailler C’est Trop Dur
7. Miwa
8. Boulevard De La Mort
9. Diji
10. Jerusalem (Dub)
APARTHEID TRACK LISTING
1. Apartheid Is Nazism
2. Jah Houphouët
3. Afriki
4. Sebe Allah Yè
5. Idjidja
6. Kiti
7. Dijinarmony
8. Sahel
9. Come Back Jesus
Please direct all press inquiries to the VP Records Publicity Department - Rhona Fox at 718-425-1151 or rhona.fox@vprecords.com.
