Implemented and created for the purpose of helping the people of Africa, “Reggae Loves Africa,” hit the airwaves and social medias, with a bang. It was invented with the ideology of pure love for Africa. With this in mind, its producer went on a research binge and sorted after and found, some of (thee) best African Reggae songs; sang by some of the most dynamic and intriguing reggae music icons in the Reggae Music Industry; to put this compilation-album, of assorted songs together to produce a slice of history. Moreover, because of the song’s longevity and the singers social caliber in the industry, the album resonated with everyone immediately.
According to the Album’s Producer, Eisaku “Selecta A” Yamaguchi, the album was ready in December of 2013, but he waited to release it because he wanted the date of its release, to be coincided with the date of late President of Africa, Nelson Mandel’s birthday—July 18, 2014. “The actual released date, was July 15, 2014,” he explained.
“All my life I wanted to do something for Africa, I think all people come from Africa. The core concept is that people in Africa needs help and Reggae music always teaches something. I voice my opinion about Africa and nobody listen to me, I am nobody. So, why not we bring some Jamaican artists together talking about Africa; using strong messages and my concept,” revealed the humble Producer.
In addition, Selecta A, also quietly articulated that he wanted to show, through reggae music and by putting this album together, that Jamaican reggae artists, loves Africa. Adding conversely, that his research saw him through 200 and something tracks, all about Africa; before he could choose which tracks he wanted to use for this project. “I choose these tracks because of their strong contents.” said the soft spoken Selecta A. He further adheres to the fact that he was looking for the strongest message in the songs for the album and founded that these particular tracks would suffice.
The Album is comprised of 12 tracks all paying tribute to the Mother Land. Its singers includes: Buju Banton, “Mama Africa,” Screwdriver, “Africa,” Worror King, “Africa Shall Be Free,” Queen Ifrica, “Calling Africa,” Freddie McGreGor, “Africa,” Luciano, “One Way Ticket,” Beres Hammond, “Talking Africa,” Morgan Heritage, “Africa Here We Come,” Dennis Brown, “Africa We Want To Go,” Tony Rebel, “Africa,” Natural Black, “Africa,” and Tarrus Riley, “Africa Waits.”
While these assorted songs have been released on the market, for sometime—it is imperative that we understand why and the significant of what these musicians are saying—travail, comes into play. The songs are captivating and refreshing, something else, to actually hear them under one roof, some what one accord and on one album—is reeling. The magnitude and culminating dynamics of the lyrics are awesome and speaks volume for themselves.
Selecta A’s rapport with the album’s writers and singers are of one accord on this project. He conceded that they all love the compilation and gave him lots of support. Especially, Luciano, he noted, who espoused with plenty of comfort by way of talking to him and gave him waves of advice. He said that he pellucid-ly wanted to get a sense of unity from this album.
The album is for keeps, if you are a collector–this album has to be a part of your collection-catalog. This album has something on it for everyone, from dance tunes to mellow tunes and conscious lyrics…if you need something to hold a vibe or fine yourself in a cultural mix, this is the album to spin–more to the point, if you are in a mix and need to (bun some-fire), via dj Dub Master, here you are. Years to come you will thank Selecta A, for creating it.
“I am very excited about the cd. I would like to thank the VP Family, Mrs. Patricia Chin, O.D., Mr. Christopher Chin and Randy Chin–for the opportunity and support they have shown me and to do this project. These artists are my stars, I grew up listening to them. The album is online in stores and everywhere else. It is on Spotify and on youtube,” articulated the grateful Producer.
The soft spoken Gem, who also has a keen sense of tenacity, wants to thank Jamaica and Jamaicans. “I love Jamaica and reggae music, thanks for the opportunity to make this cd,” he finished.
Selecta A, has work at VP Records since 1998 to present, he is a music Producer. The album’s executive producers are Christopher Chin and Eisaku “Selecta A” Yamaguchi.
By: C. Harrison