KINGSTON, Jamaica — Having worked with a number of artistes as manager since the 1980s, Fitzroy Francis knows how critical it is to secure proper distribution.

Four years ago, he launched Mightyful13 Records in New York City. Immediately, he established a distribution deal with VPAL, an affiliate of VP Records.

Francis said the bond has worked wonders for his fledgling company. It allows his artistes to tap into the parent company’s extensive network.

“The deal with VPAL is very beneficial to the label in many ways because it enhance the building of the brand Mightyful13 Records worldwide. With VP as a renowned label for reggae, it surely boosts the artiste’s profile by placing their name on the digital network and also makes the products available in places it would never be,” Francis told the OBSERVER ONLINE.

Mightyful13 Records debuted in 2012 with singer Zanadu’s Trade Winds. It has since released a number of well-received songs including 36 Bullets and Heart of a Champion by Chrisinti, Essence of Life by Michelle Gordon, Better Must Come and Cool Operator by Andrew Bees, current lead singer of Black Uhuru. 

Francis is from the Waterhouse area of Kingston. He was once road manager for Black Uhuru and manager for Junior Reid, both of whom came out of the same community.

Black Uhuru and Reid benefited from solid distribution from companies such as Island Records and RAS Records, respectively. Francis was looking for something similar when he launched Mightyful13 Records.

“It’s always been tough for small, independent labels and artistes to get exposure. That’s why it incumbent to have a distribution entity like VP to take your music in various places,” he said. 

One of the music business’ top ‘indie’ labels, VP Records launched VPAL in 2009. The latter partners with artistes and producers to distribute their product through VP’s extensive network of 600 online and mobile destinations in 100 territories.

In turn, VPAL earns a percentage of sales.

Mightyful13 has a diverse roster of artistes. They include Tabeta Cshae, Teri and Ryo Vibes from Japan; King Mee, Dan Fyah Beat, I Noah and Tete Man Levi from Spain.

The Earth’s Motion ‘riddim’, the label’s first project for 2016, will be released soon.

Howard Campbell