Selector A: ‘Reggae Loves Rasta’
New York-based Japanese producer Eisaku “Selector A” Yamaguchi is not new to the reggae industry. His love affair with the music genre dates back to the early 1990s.
“I was playing reggae music in night clubs in the New York area as far back as the 1990s, which is how I got the name Selector A,” Yamaguchi told Caribbean Life. “I released my first commercial album, ‘Reggae Loves Africa,’ in 2014.
“I have since released five albums that are either conscious reggae or love songs — two of them inspired by Reggae King Bob Marley,” he added. “For a Japanese person to be an executive producer for five reggae albums, with songs by some of the top Jamaican reggae acts, is not something you often hear of.”
On “Grounation Day,” April 21, a holy day for Rastafarians, Selector A will release a new compilation album of 13 great reggae songs that were recorded by Rastafarian reggae stalwarts he has admired for a long time, including Sizzla, Tarrus Riley and Luciano.
“We need good message music at this moment for uplifting the society, teaching and encouraging youths to help others and to be humble and keep the peace,” Yamaguchi said.
Asked about selecting “Groundation Day” to release the album Yamaguchi said: “Last year was the 55th year anniversary that Selassie I visited Jamaica.
“This year, 2022 is the 60th year anniversary of the independence of Jamaica,” he said. “Releasing this meaningful album between these two important anniversaries, effectively sends the right messages to the world.”
“Reggae Loves Rasta” is the 6th album in the series, which started with “Reggae Loves Africa” (2014), “Reggae Loves Jah” (2015), “Reggae Loves Romance” (2016), “Reggae Loves Romance Vol.2” (2018) and “Reggae Loves Unity” (2020).
