Reggae Music News

Kartel Clothing Line Ready For Jamaican Market In Time For Fashion Night Out

gaza4life-riddim-streamAfter a grand launch party held at the end of July, where they announced they were ready for international orders on officialvkline.com, Official VK Line is announcing they are now ready for Jamaica. The website currently receives orders from as close as the United States and as far as Switzerland.

Official VK Line’s decision to make this big announcement is partially due to the continuous usage of Vybz Kartel’s name and image to market products not authorized by the artist. “We’ve had prospective customers send us pictures of and attempt to place orders for merchandise that isn’t from our brand” said brand manager, Shona-Lee S. Thompson, “so we have decided to make an announcement detailing where locals can get official and authorized Vybz Kartel merchandise and to issue a warning to those violating his intellectual property rights.” To purchase in Jamaica, Gaza fans can message via Whatsapp on (876) 480-9300 or visit House of Dancehall. “Due to the challenges with piracy and counterfeit goods, we are adamant that retailers in Jamaica must go through a stringent application process, for example, Urbana Stryd went through the process and was approved,” said Thompson. She stated that the brand looks forward to working with other stores, provided they apply and are approved. “…especially those outside of the corporate area so we can meet the demand that exists in Western Jamaica.” Their retailers are however not limited to Jamaica as stores as far as Italy are stocked with Official VK Line merchandise.

Usain Bolt’s camp issued a similar warning recently, with mention that they would take legal action against those using his intellectual-property without permission. About a month after Jamaica’s biggest athlete having to issue a warning, is one being issued from Jamaica’s biggest artiste. One has to wonder if this all stems from the success of “brand Jamaica”. “The priority for Vybz Kartel in this venture has been the charitable work, so whilst dealing with issue of piracy in Jamaica and abroad, we continue to work with schools in Portmore to assist in ways we see fit. Although if anyone of them reach out to us to assist in other ways we’re wiling” said Ms. Thompson. At their launch party, she had announced their plans for a robotics class.

gaza bannerThe launch party was held at House of Dancehall, located at 6 Cargill Avenue, set to be the next it restaurant/bar. The event was by invitation only and saw the likes of K’Shema Francis, DJ Sparks and Dr. Carolyn Cooper. Guests were treated to complimentary Gaza Rum mixes given names like Summertime and Buss Mi Gun, and were fed by a jerk chicken/soup man and coconut jelly man in true Dancehall form. Entertainment was provided by Ricky Trooper on the turntables playing Vybz Kartel hits, vocal renditions of Vybz Kartel’s songs in R&B remixes and a saxophonist wowing the crowd playing several of “di Teacha’s” songs. The event culminated with a fashion show with the House of Dancehall bar counter serving as the runway. The models then handed out gift boxes to all the guests, filled with goodies from the clothing line, “The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto“ and Urbana Stryd.

The brand is based on Vybz Kartel’s Gaza Movement and is poised to take over urban fashion globally. It currently features shirts for both male and female, shorts and intimate wear for the “Gaza girls”, caps, beanies, and more.

House of Dancehall is now open and is the only place to get the Summertime, Buss Mi Gun and Colouring Book Gaza Rum mixes.

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