On September 28, VP Records in Queens, New York, a hub for dancehall music, hosted the second edition of ‘Poetry: Echoes of Expression,’ an event curated by Richie Innocent. The gathering served as a platform to showcase the works of poets and authors, drawing a larger audience than its debut. Richie Innocent, in an interview with Observer Online, highlighted the event’s success, emphasizing its familial and communal atmosphere at the VP Records Cultural Centre. He described the evening as both historical and revelatory. Performers included Richie Innocent, Ras Igus, Marj Da Poet, Marcia Jackson, Amaziyah The Great, and American Blaq Ice, representing various regions of the Jamaican diaspora. Author Sharon Gordon also participated, reading excerpts from her acclaimed debut book, ‘Sheribaby,’ released in May. Pat Chin, the matriarch of VP Records, who recently celebrated her 88th birthday, attended the event and spoke about the cultural significance of poetry in Jamaica. Richie Innocent closed the show with performances of his songs, including ‘Babylon Slaves’ and ‘The Passover.’ Despite minor technical issues, he expressed optimism for the event’s future, envisioning its growth and longevity, with hopes of celebrating its 10th anniversary.