Chris Blackwell’s Island Records, a pioneering independent record label that was one of the first to help put Jamaican music on the world map, celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, with a week-long festival in May 2009 – the Island 50 Festival.

The Shepherds Bush Empire in London is the confirmed venue, and the event will feature performances from Island Records artistes of the past and the present. Chris Blackwell himself will oversee the event which will also include cinema, TV and radio documentaries, music re-issues as well as photo & memorabilia exhibitions.

All proceeds from the Island 50 Festival will be donated to Amnesty International and the Oracabessa Foundation in Jamaica.

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