New York-based reggae producer Eisaku Yamaguchi, also known as Selector A, says his production of “Reggae Loves Africa Vol. 2” was inspired by the late South African President and Civil Rights Activist Nelson Mandela.
Selector A, who was born in Japan, told Caribbean Life on Monday that “Reggae Loves Africa Vol. 2,” which will be released on July 18, 2025, is a project close to his heart.
“This album is inspired by Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999,” he said. “His love for Africa, the future he dreamed of, and the fight he never gave up on is an inspiration to all.
“His unwavering belief in justice and equality continues to resonate with people around the world,” Selector A added. “Through this album, 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 and help build a stronger, better Africa.”
Selector A said the songs on the disc were chosen to “reflect Africa—its beauty, rich history, incredible people, and the challenges it continues to face.
“Some of the songs express the message that, within Africa, there are still struggles and issues we must address together to rebuild and heal,” he said. “This reflects the need for a collective effort to overcome internal challenges.
“I focused on music that tells the story of Africa’s past, its culture, and the ongoing struggles it faces today,” Selector A added. “These songs carry a strong message of hope and unity, not only within Africa but also across the globe.”
Given that all genres of music have changed over the past 30 years, Selector A said the positive message of reggae and Africa is still relevant in 2025.
“Music evolves, but the need for positive messages remains constant,” he said. “In today’s unstable world, we need music that spreads hope and unity more than ever.
“As long as people continue to suffer from war, poverty, and injustice, music, particularly reggae, has the power to raise awareness and drive change,” he added. “I believe in the power of reggae music to heal and unite communities across the globe.
“I believe in a strong and independent future for Africa – a future where countries are not reliant on foreign currencies that require reserves to be held outside the continent, and where critical infrastructure is built without excessive foreign debt that could lead to financial instability,” Selector A continued. “I hope to see the creation of a common currency used exclusively within Africa to strengthen regional trade.”
In light of his passion for Africa, he disclosed that he’s yet to visit the Mother Land but hopes to visit “the African savanna one day.”
“That said, I don’t want to experience Africa just as a tourist. I know that many countries in Africa are safe, but I hope to visit even more places across the continent when conditions allow,” Selector A said.
He said he released “Reggae Loves Africa Vol.1” in 2014 because he “wanted folks, particularly those in North America, to know what was happening in Africa and to help spread awareness so the continent could move forward.
“Now, ten years later, things are still tough,” Selector A said. “People are trying to fix problems like poverty, war, and disease, but the truth is, many of these struggles haven’t changed much.
“Africa is a beautiful place with so much potential, but it still has many struggles,” he added.
