Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Reggae artiste Half Pint. - File

In what his manager Loyal Haylett is describing as a unique "joint venture deal between Half Pint Music, Essential Media Group and Universal", singer Lindon 'Half Pint' Roberts has signed a major distribution deal.

It includes not only Half Pint's upcoming album No Stress Express, slated for a mid-January release, but also his extensive catalogue, which includes the standouts Greetings, One Big Family and Winsome. Digital distribution is also included.

Half Pint said "I have been overdue to have an international deal," adding that "I think reggae music needs a person like me. Singing the songs of quality and value, that is what reggae needs right now."

New avenues

He said that often when he is on tour people ask where they can get his recordings and, with the distribution deal, "now they can get the music".

He realises that he will have to tour extensively to support the new avenues that will be opened up through the deal, and said "I need that passion in me to excel to the next level.

"I represent Jamaica on a level. I know I can deliver that music and keep the principle. Me know me out there a represent, because people tell me over the years," Half Pint said.

Unique deal

Haylett said that the deal with Half Pint, Universal and Essential is unique, first, in that the responsibility of Essential Media is promotion, Universal's role is to ensure that the material is available all over the world, and "Half Pint is the one who will supply the product and support it with tours."

Additionally, he said that Essential and Universal will split half of the returns, with 50 per cent coming to Half Pint Music.

"Universal has never done such a deal," he said.

Haylett said that the part of the deal which delayed it by 10 weeks was that "Universal and Essential wanted to make sure that they have an option for the next album. I strongly believe that Half Pint has paid his dues and should not be treated like a new artiste.

"We are now in a position to do our own thing," Haylett said, adding that he had made a connected deal with Universal to work Half Pint's back catalogue.

In addition, the Independent Distribution Network will be involved in the spread of the music.

With the digital distribution 60 per cent comes to Half Pint Music.

"I am pleased that the whole thing has come together putting Half Pint's music out, not only the old stuff but the new stuff," Haylett said.

And publicist Ra-Umi Alkebulan pointed out that "One of the great things about Half Pint is that he is a good songwriter," reminding that the Rolling Stones covered Winsome and Sublime did over Loving.

'Man of talent'

"His catalogue, that is what record companies want at this time. He has worked hard over the years and for this to come it is the right time," Alkebulan said. "This is what reggae needs at this time, a man who has the talent and can put it out there."

'I am pleased that the whole thing has come together putting Half Pint's music out, not only the old stuff but the new stuff.'