Eisaku Yamaguchi, also known as Selector A, is a Kanagawa, Japan-based reggae producer who is getting ready to release ‘Reggae Loves Africa Vol. 2’. In the early 1990s, after relocating to the United States, he developed a fascination for reggae.
Yamaguchi stated in a recent interview with a local newspaper, “I was playing reggae music in nightclubs in the New York area as far back as the 1990s, which is how I got the name Selector A. I released my first commercial album, Reggae Loves Africa, in 2014. I have since released several conscious reggae albums.”
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He further noted, “I believe in the power of reggae music to heal and unite the world. I truly believe that reggae is one of the greatest musical genres in the world. That’s why I want to fully convey my message through Jamaican reggae.”
He claimed that reggae and the global influence of Jamaicans drew his attention. Yamaguchi is aware of the significant impact reggae had throughout the 1980s and 1990s, when the music was critical of South Africa’s apartheid regime.
Additionally, he is aware of the important role that Rastafarian reggae recorders like Black Uhuru, Dennis Brown, Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, and Freddie McGregor played in securing the release of Nelson Mandela, the leader of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, as well as the essential role that music played in securing the release of such musicians.
Yamaguchi stated, “Mandela’s unwavering belief in justice and equality continues to resonate with people around the world. Through this album, Reggae Loves Africa Vol. 2, I hope to carry on that message and inspire not just Africans in Africa, but people from all corners of the world to come together to build a stronger, better Africa.”
The album will include ten powerful reggae tracks, such as Frankie Paul’s “Africa is Calling,” “Africa is Liberty” (Luciano), “Africa” (The Mighty Diamonds), “Black Gold” (Duane Stephenson), “Music is The Rod” (Garnet Silk), “Black Woman & Child” (Sizzla), and “Black Like a Tar” (Richie Spice).
He revealed, “The songs on this album were chosen to reflect Africa … its beauty, rich history, and incredible people, as well as the challenges it continues to face. Some of the songs express the message that within Africa, there are issues we must address together to rebuild and heal. This reflects the need for a collective effort to overcome internal challenges. I focus on music that tells the story of Africa’s past, its culture, and the ongoing struggles it faces today.”
Although Yamaguchi hasn’t gone to Africa yet, he said that he would really like to go there someday.
He explained, “I don’t want to experience Africa just as a tourist. I have a bigger mission. I believe all of humanity originally spread from the continent, and this connection is vital to understanding our shared future.”
