Rio Lewis is a 24-year-old marketing professional from London. Proud of her Jamaican heritage and passionate about dancehall music led to the creation of an online platform spotlighting the genre. Aside from work, Rio enjoys creating content (and scrolling) on TikTok and connecting with other music lovers / professionals and creatives. VP: Tell us a little about your work at Ditto/ the music industry? RL: I have been working…
Nadine Sutherland, the first artist signed to Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong record label has been performing since the age of 11. Nadine was recently asked about International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, and the significance of both observations on the calendar. Nadine says “Systems were implemented in the past that subjugated Women and girls. Throughout the years, I have seen the progress women have made. It is important to…
Jess Badee is a professional DJ, dancer, choreographer and model based in London. Born and raised in Italy, her dad is from the Ivory Coast and she regularly travels to Jamaica. Dance has especially connected her to dance crews in Jamaica allowing her to soak in the vibes, grooves, and flows. Energy is something that is never lacking when Jess is dancing and DJing. When Corona hit the world in…
(Photo Credit: Tyrell Gittens) VP Records longest running compilation, Strictly The Best, was launched at Dumbo House in New York. Vol 62, which features Dancehall and Reggae heavyweights, is a 13-track disc that summarizes some of the best releases for 2022. This unique collection of exclusive releases makes popular the islands style and slang that has gripped the Dancehall space in Jamaica and her Diaspora. The compilation was launched with Yaksta’s…
(Pictured: Aza Lineage – Photo Credit: Lisa Ramacher) Aza Lineage’s voice and energy is a refreshing addition to the Reggae landscape at home and abroad. The rising star is firmly rooted on the roots side of Dancehall and is currently working with King Jammy on a new album. VP: For those of our readers who have not yet come across your work, please can you introduce yourself? AL: Blessed…
When it comes to making dancehall beats that dominate the streets and clubs, on-the-rise producer Taugea “Countree Hype” Dayes is one of the best. He has been steadily making his name as the creative force behind the independent record label Countree Hype Entertainment. VP: How did you get your start in the business? CH: I got started in the business being around the artist environment. Growing up, I was…