VP Records, one of the biggest reggae labels in the world, arrives in Brazil! Learn all about it!

VP Records sets up shop in Brazil and obviously this is a reason for celebration for the regueiro public. There will be 4 events in São Paulo, at Hangar 110, during the month of July 2007 with the presentation of the team of DJs, singers and MCs from Digitaldubs Sound System, with one of the objectives being to highlight the launch of VP Records in Brazil. The idea is that the program will feature 2 Digitaldubs DJs from Rio de Janeiro and the presence of one guest artist per night, always on Thursdays. The renowned record label will be present at the event distributing CDs and promotional materials to the public, in addition to bringing media to the project.

VP RECORDS

At a time when reggae is experiencing a notable expansion in different parts of the world, the arrival in Brazil of the record label VP Records is great news for all lovers of good Jamaican music. Based today in the United States, but with solid roots on that Caribbean island, VP has been successfully promoting the sounds heard on the streets of Kingston, London and New York, alongside international hits from artists such as Sean Paul, Sizzla, Luciano, Morgan Heritage and many others. In time: currently, the label releases more than sixty albums per year, and is notable for scoring hits called "crossover". The start of VP's activities in Brazil, therefore, represents an excellent opportunity for our consumer public to have direct contact with countless artists who have been playing a crucial role not only in the reggae scene but also in the global pop scene. Morgan Heritage, Sean Paul, Rhicie Spice, Luciano, Sizzla, for example, are names that have gone beyond the boundaries of the traditional reggae market and today appear on the R&B, pop or hip-hop hit parades, without prejudice. For many years Brazil lived under the illusion that reggae was synonymous with Bob Marley and The Wailers. This can be explained in part by the enormous lack of specialized launches in this market segment.

DIGITAL DUBS

Formed in 2001, Digitaldubs is the first sound team specialized in reggae in Rio de Janeiro. In recent years they have performed in several cities in Brazil, including a weekly party at Casa da Matriz, in Rio de Janeiro, exposing the culture of dancehall and sound system to a new audience. Digitaldubs has held a resident party in Rio de Janeiro for over 3 years in the same location, Casa da Matriz. Always on Wednesdays, the night has become a reference when it comes to dub, reggae and dancehall, not only in Rio but also in Brazil. The success of the parties, which occasionally feature DJs and artists from all over Brazil and the world, spread to various parts of the country. In every visit the group made to São Paulo, particularly the performances at SESC Pompéia, Studio SP, Hole Club, Saravejo and the 2004 TIM Festival, they were very well received by the public. From there, and from the countless messages received via email and online communities, we felt the demand for a night resident in São Paulo. Live, the group participated in historic nights by playing alongside big names such as Lee Perry, Mad Professor, Zion Train, Ranking Joe, Easy Star Allstars, Pablo Moses, Stone Love sound system, and appearing in the line-up of the country's main festivals such as Tim Festival 2004, SuperDemo 2005, Humaitá pra Peixe 2005, Abril Pro Rock 2007 RJ edition and XXXperience 100º.

SCHEDULE

(subject to changes)  Thursday, July 5th  DIGITALDUBS+ KEVLARTONE SOUNDSYSTEM (NEW YORK) The sound system from Brooklin, New York, specialized in dancehall, will be visiting Rio de Janeiro, and will participate in the party at Casa da Matriz, in Rio.  Thursday, July 11  DIGITALDUBS+ FUNK BUIA (SP) With his powerful voice, the MC of the São Paulo rap group Záfrica Brasil, Funk Buia is also part of the 7 Velas crew and appears on the group's album Echo Sound System. Buia recorded a new song that will appear on the new Digitaldubs album later this year.  Thursday, July 19  DIGITALDUBS+ LEI DI DAÍ (SP) One of the revelations of the new reggae/dancehall scene in São Paulo, Lei Di Daí released his first official recording on Digitaldubs' latest album, “Diaspora Riddim”. The song “Original do Gueto” has already become an underground hit in the scene.  Thursday, July 26th  DIGITALDUBS+ JUNIOR DREAD (SP) Former vocalist of the group Reggae Style, Junior Dread has been pursuing a solo career and appearing on Echo Sound System and Negra Li shows. His melodic voice makes him stand out as one of the best singers in the new reggae scene.