The past three years have seen considerable turmoil in Africa, with a succession of coups overturning governments in Niger, Sudan and Guinea. That instability partially influenced Eisaku Yamaguchi to release another in his series of ‘Reggae Loves’ albums.

Titled Reggae Loves Africa Vol 2, it is scheduled for release this summer. The New York-based Japanese native’s first Reggae Loves Africa set was released in 2014 by VP Records.

He believes the time is right for a follow-up.

“Even after 10 years since its release, many problems in Africa remain unresolved. Individuals who are currently around 20 years-old were only 10 when the album was released. Hence, I continue to urge the youth to consider contributing to the improvement of humanity in Africa,” said Yamaguchi, who is known in music circles as Selector A.

Reggae Loves Africa contained songs by major acts including Buju Banton (Mama Africa), Warrior King (Africa Shall Be Free), Queen Ifrica (Calling Africa), Freddie McGregor (Africa), Luciano (One Way Ticket), Dennis Brown (Africa we Want to Go) and Morgan Heritage (Africa Here we Come).

Yamaguchi discovered reggae as a boy in Japan. Although only a child, he was struck by the music of Bob Marley who toured his homeland in 1979.

Reggae Loves Africa proved to be a hit 10 years ago and inspired him to compile several follow-ups. Those are Reggae Loves Jah, Reggae Loves Rasta, Reggae Loves Romance and Reggae Loves Unity.

Howard Campbell