REGGAE AND SOCA REIGN SUPREME
The Genre’s Powerhouse Label VP Records
Celebrated Its 35th Anniversary with SummerStage in Central Park on Jun 27
Performances by Maxi Priest, Gyptian & Bunji Garlin & DJ Set by Massive B
The Label’s Co-Founder Patricia Chin Received Lifetime Achievement Award at
2015 American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) Libera Awards on Jun 25
PHOTOS BY AJAMU MYRIE
This past Saturday (June 27), VP Records teamed up with SummerStage to throw a historic concert in NYC’s Central Park. The event, which was sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, celebrated the label’s 35th anniversary when VP Records’ founders Vincent and his wife Patricia Chin moved their headquarters from Kingston, Jamaica to Jamaica, New York – transforming their operations into the largest Caribbean music company worldwide.
Despite heavy rain, thousands of people flocked to the park to witness one-of-a-kind sets from multi-platinum singer Maxi Priest, reggae superstar Gyptian, soca royalty Bunji Garlin and DJs Bobby Konders and Jabba of Massive B.
Inside the grounds, VP Records presented A Reggae Music Journey pop-up museum, designed by acclaimed artist Michael Thompson. The exhibit chronicles the label’s epic journey and their mark on each era of Caribbean music – from rocksteady, ska, reggae, dancehall, soca and more. The label’s co-founder Patricia Chin and family were on site to sign autographs and talk to fans about their legacy in music.
WATCH Maxi Priest and Gyptian perform their latest singles and Patricia Chin appear on FOX 5 Good Day NY morning show to preview the event:
http://www.myfoxny.com/clip/11639696/maxi-priest-and-gyptian
The SummerStage event also followed a very special occasion for Patricia Chin (the P in VP Records). On June 25th, Miss Pat (as her staff affectionately refers to her) received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the fourth annual American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) Libera Awards. Ms. Chin, who started the business with her late husband Vincent Chin, delivered a heartfelt speech about her 60-year journey of triumph and struggle in the reggae business. She brought the room to a standing ovation, which was filled with music insiders and executives.
Billboard, who recapped the event, raves “Chin had many wise words for upcoming independent businesses, including ‘surrounding yourself with dedicated and passionate people,’ ‘love what you do and do what you love’ as well as embracing change and sharing in success.”
Ms. Chin is the first female to receive this highly-coveted award.
In addition to this honor, that same week Miss Pat was recognized as one of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business 2015-14. She also recently returned from Cuba, where she discussed her role as a woman in the reggae industry at a Bob Marley symposium.
Bottom L: Chin’s granddaughter Christina, daughter Angela Chung, daughter-in-law Mauvielyn, Pat, granddaughter Stephanie Chin, daughter-in-law Kecia
Bottom R: Charles Bradley’s closing performance at awards ceremony.
AJAMU MYRIE