In less than 20 years, the New York-based label Putumayo, with CD distribution in more than 100 countries, has established itself as the top brand when it comes to worldbeat music. Founded by Dan Storpe in 1993, not only has Putumayo grown into one of the globe’s most successful and recognisable music labels, but has fulfilled his vision of introducing connoisseurs of music to the diverse cultures of the world.

In keeping with its motto; “Guaranteed to make you feel good!”, the company focuses on creating a non-traditional market by tragetting music aficionados around the world with an interest in culture, travel and the arts. Out of this concept, its alternative sales tactics has to do with releasing compilation CDs in every genre of music worldwide. In this cross-culture initiative, reggae is a staple. Its World Hits compilation CD features Peter Tosh in combination with Mick Jagger on Don’t Look Back, and Jimmy Cliff’s Harder They Come.

In 2004, Putumayo released Caribbean Playground, a range of upbeat, diverse music from around the region such as zouk from the French Caribbean, soca from Trinidad, reggae from Jamaica, Bomba from Puerto Rico and more. Caribbean Playground, which included tracks with the Wailers and Desmond Dekker, is a product the local Broadcasting Commission would welcome, if for no other reason, it also won the Parents’ Choice Award.

Another noteworthy release from 2004, is the album Putumayo Presents Jamaica which includes artistes such Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru, Culture, Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus, Joe Higgs, Israel Vibrations, The Gladiators, Augustus Pablo and Rico Rodriques.

From Putumayo also came Latin Reggae featuring the Muchachito Bombo Infierno, Macaco, Radio Malanga, Black Gandhi, and Amparanoia, all from Spain. Included on that same set are Gondwana from Chile, Ticklah accompanied by Mayra Vega both from the USA, Cultura Profetica from Puerto Rico, Los Cafres from Argentina and Sarazino of Ecuadorian, Canadian and Algerian heritage.

One of the finest Putumayo releases is African Dreamland, a celebration of Putumayo World Music’s 15th anniversary. It is an enchanting set of African lullabys for both young and old.

“We do not have a special compilation for the 16th anniversary; we are just releasing around the anniversary date two very special compilations — one for adults, Italia and one for kids, European Playground,” international promotions manager for Putumayo World music, Yann Perrigault, told Splash.

“As far as the Caribbean Market,” he said, ” we will not do any festival or tours this year but we released African Reggae in late January that is still getting a lot of airplay on radios and for which we had wonderful reviews in the press.”