Some industry players and entertainers are sending messages of condolence following the passing of Jamaica’s former Prime Minister, Edward Seaga.
Mr. Seaga who died on his 89th birthday minutes after 1 pm today, was very influential not only as a politician but was a champion for the development of Jamaica’s music industry and culture.
Edward Seaga was influential in the setting up of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and many other cultural institutions that are critical to the preservation of the country’s cultural practices.
Entertainment Consultant, Clyde McKenzie labels Mr. Seaga’s cultural contributions as significant and immense. Mr. McKenzie further explains that Edward Seaga is responsible for the existence of IRIE FM through the granting of a broadcast license in 1988.
As one of the early record producers and record company owner, Mr. Seaga also played a major role in the social development of Jamaican music.
Veteran Broadcaster Bob Clarke reflects on Mr. Seaga’s work as a record producer, and the creation of “Manny O” that is said to be Jamaica’s first local hit song produced by Edward Seaga.
In 1955, Edward Seaga supervised the recording of an album of ethnic Jamaican music. He continued to produce recordings by other artists and in the late 1950s set up West India Records Limited (WIRL), releasing early recordings by artists such as Higgs and Wilson and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.
Entertainment Consultant Clyde McKenzie adds that Mr. Seaga who was in the business of promoting Jamaica music has touched the lives of many.
Over 16 years, Edward Seaga worked on compiling a collection of Jamaican music covering the period from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s.
This anthology, Reggae Golden Jubilee Origins of Jamaican Music, was released on November 6, 2012, in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Jamaican independence.
Edward Seaga died on Tuesday, May 28 his 89th birthday at a hospital in Miami, Florida.
Veteran Broadcaster Bob Clarke got emotional during a message of condolence to the family and friends of Jamaica’s 5th Prime Minister.
Tributes continue to pour into IRIE FM for Mr. Seaga.