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 VP Records make offer to acquire Greensleeves
VP Records, the world’s leading reggae record company, recently announced that it has made an offer to purchase Greensleeves Records & Publishing from Zest Group plc, subject to the approval of Zest’s shareholders. VP Records will inherit a catalogue comprised of some of the most notable albums of the genre, from Elephant Man to
Yellowman and hit songs recorded by such acts as Rihanna, Sean Paul and Shaggy.
Chris Chin and Randy Chin, respectively Chief Executive Officer and President of VP Records, further added: “Although Greensleeves has historically been our competitor we have always had the utmost respect for what Greensleeves stood for. The label and its founders had a long term commitment to Reggae music and no one is better positioned than VP Records to understand the need to respect this legacy. We will ensure that Greensleeves remains alive as a brand synonymous with excellence in Reggae and Dancehall music.”
Olivier Chastan, Vice President of VP Records, concluded: “The addition of Greensleeves to our catalog will ensure that the genre remains an important category in music. I am incredibly excited about the accumulation of classic works such as Wayne Smith’s “Sleng Teng” and Yellowman’s “Mr. Yellowman”. Greensleeves Publishing is just as rich, with a large catalog that includes major recent hits like Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” and Wayne Wonder’s “Bounce Along” both written by Steven Marsden (a/k/a Lenky) and Donovan Bennett’s “Pon De River, Pon De Bank” written for Elephant Man among other compositions. Furthermore, Greensleeves’s unique English roots will allow VP Records to consolidate its presence in Europe.”
Steve Weltman, Zest’s Chief Executive, commented: “The combination of Greensleeves and VP Records will ensure the future of Reggae music around the world. VP Records is committed to preserving the legacy of the Greensleeves label that was begun by its founders Chris Sedgwick & Chris Cracknell in 1977.”
Amy Winehouse goes Reggae
 Amy Winhouse
Amy Winehouse has a clear attraction to Black music. Her first album, Frank, had strong jazz influences, and Back to Black dug deep into Motown and classic soul. Will she regale us with reggae for her next album? Sources say Amy will make a pilgrimage to Bob Marley’s home in Jamaica “for inspiration ahead of her third album.” She may also work with Marley’s son, Damian.
Heal Thyslef brings Health & Wellness to Harlem
 Queen Afua
At the beginning of every year most people make New Year resolutions, regardless of if they see them to fruition or not. In January many attended the Heal Thyself Winter Solstice one-day fasting shut-in and City of Wellness launch in Harlem. The purpose of the event was to introduce the community to a number of steps they could take to achieve a higher state of physical and spiritual well-being.
The Heal Thyself Center hosts a shut-in every season, for information on the Spring shut-on March 29, 2008 at the National Black Theater in Harlem, call 718- 221-HEAL.
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