BRYDENS Guyana on Friday hosted a press conference to launch “Str8 Vybz Rum”, a brand inspired and endorsed by legendary Jamaican Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel.

Angostura Limited is the official producer of the brand, which has been blended, tested, developed, and approved by Vybz Kartel.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Brydens Guyana, Natasha Das said that the first container of the beverage was sold out in two days. A second container will soon be available.

Das said her company is committed to making the alcoholic beverage a staple in Guyana’s rum culture. “We will ensure its availability nationwide from bars, restaurants, supermarkets, local rum shops. We’ll host high-energy events and tastings and collaborations with local DJs, influencers, and local Dancehall artistes to keep the ‘Str8 Vybz’ spirits alive.”

According to Das, Friday’s event was not just about launching a rum, but it was about celebrating a legacy built on talent, influence, and an unstoppable force that has shaped the fabric of Dancehall music.

“Vybz Kartel has been a movement and a trendsetter and a voice that resonates with millions right here, including in Guyana. Dancehall is part of who we are. We don’t just listen to Kartel music; we live it, we breathe it. The songs have been the soundtrack of our celebrations, our street dances, and our culture,” the CEO said, adding that today the same undeniable energy, originality, and boldness, have been bottled up to create something just as iconic: ‘Str8 Vybz Rum’.

Meanwhile, Angostura’s Executive Director Rahim Mohammed stated: “His (Vybz Kartel’s) influence transcends music. His creativity, his unapologetic boldness infused in every bottle of Str8 Vybz Rum, along with Angostura’s renowned expertise in blending flavours and premium quality.

There are four rums under the Str8 Vybz Rum brand: Ramping Shop, an enhanced rum; Electric, a white rum; and Fever and Unstoppable, which are dark rums.

“Today, we are very very proud, as the mass distributor, to appoint A.S. Brydens in Guyana as our distributor in Guyana,” Mohammed said.

He commended Brydens’ CEO and her team for bringing the vision to life, and making strong strides in the Guyanese market.

The man of the moment, Vybz Kartel briefly said that through this project, a number of people have been employed. “A lot of people can put dinner on their table because of this project,” Kartel said before informing his audience that the rums are named after his hit songs.

“All in all, the product is amazing, the production is amazing; the labelling, the packaging,” he commented.

The company did a limited-edition run of the products, producing only 6,000 bottles. A bottle of rum was signed and handed to Brydens Guyana’s CEO.

The event was the perfect opportunity to officially announce that Kartel will be performing at Hits and Jams Entertainment’s Genesis weekend: Baderation 2025, slated for May 24, 2025.
Hits and Jams Entertainment Director Kerwyn Bollers said they are ready for the Genesis weekend, and they anticipate it will be a great concert.

“I believe that this concert will top everything that we have ever done in Guyana. It will be a historic moment. It will be the biggest gathering of any concert. Or any gathering in Guyana, come May 24th,” he said.

He announced that the concert will be held at the Guyana National Stadium, at Providence.

“We are very excited, and I think persons can feel the energy in Guyana right now. The whole place is buzzing with Kartel. You tune in to the radio, you tune in to the television, social media, and that’s just to give you a little hint of what is going to happen come here the 24th of May.”