Words by Sherman Escoffery–

Former Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga finally arrived in New York City last week, after being delayed by Hurricane Sandy—that had shut down the entire Island of Jamaica. Vivien Goldman, writer and broadcaster, sat with him at the Tisch-School of the Arts, NYU, for a very informative and educational discussion about his latest project–that we had mentioned last month on LargeUp, The Reggae Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary; a commemorative, one hundred tracks, four CD box set, that showcases the origin and evolution of Jamaican music in its 50th year of independence, 2012. Mr. Seaga, an early pioneer in Jamaican music, conceptualized and selected every song on this album. He started working on this project three years ago with VP records, and the late Joel Chin—who was killed in 2011. Now finished and slated for release on November 6, 2012, this collection of one hundred songs, highlights significant milestones in Jamaican musical history; such as, the beginning and highlights of Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae and eventually Dancehall. There is also a 64 page booklet in this package, with liner notes by Chris Chin, Reggae historians John Masouri, Dermot Hussey, and Mr. Edward Seaga himself; making this box set a must have, or an excellent gift, for anyone who listens to Jamaican music.