Guest Selector: Seani B

Having first appeared as a DJ in the UK's 1980s reggae community, Seani B swiftly made a name for himself as a remixer and producer, working with Lauryn Hill, Destiny's Child and Morgan Heritage, who won the Best Reggae Album award at the 2016 Grammys. In 2002 he went on to join the team at Radio 1 Xtra, where he still provides exposure and heartfelt enthusiasm for new reggae and dancehall while maintaining a hefty production schedule.

This year he heads to Liverpool International Music Festival, having curated the Roots, Rock, Reggae stage at the Summer Jam in Sefton Park. The impressive line-up features performances from Christopher Ellis, Carroll Thompson, Sweetie Irie and Kiko Bun, and looks set to be one of the fest's many highlights – here Seani offers his thoughts on some of his favourite reggae tracks to get us all in the mood.

Morgan Heritage – Strictly Roots

[Strictly Roots, CTBC Music Group, 2015]

The title track from Morgan Heritage’s Grammy-winning album. This was produced by myself and Don Chandler. I remember hearing the instrumental for the first time; Don had this gem sitting on his hard drive for a while.

After listening to it a few times I asked him to strip back all the music and leave the horn section alone in the intro. He agreed that simple changes were all that it needed. I sat back, closed my eyes and the vision I got was an army marching into battle for freedom – then when I got the song back from Morgan Heritage I was blown away. Strictly Roots was the message the backdrop needed. I remember Gramps ringing me saying, “Seani…this is the one.” He wasn’t wrong!

Garnet Silk – Splashing * Dashing

[Splashing * Dashing 7", Digital-B, 1994]

One of my favourite reggae singers of all time, who was sadly taken away from us way too early. The tone of Garnet’s voice matched with powerful lyrics was enough to evoke many emotions. Splashing * Dashing has to be one of my favourite songs from his extensive catalogue: the arrangement of producer Bobby Digital’s 'Death in The Arena Riddim' matched his delivery perfectly. “The Lord is my shepherd / I shall not want”…Then the bassline drops. EPIC.

Aswad – Warrior Charge

[Showcase, Island Records, 1981]

I’m not the biggest fan of instrumentals as I always hear songs that I think I could write for them, but this is one riddim that doesn’t need any lyrics at all. The militant vibe of this instrumental matched the film it was part off: Babylon is a cult Black British film that featured Aswad’s Brindsley Forde.

The scene that this track was part of is probably my favourite scene from any movie. The owner of the sound system plays this track for the first time in the lock up to the sound systems members – while placing the dub plate on the turntable he turns and says, "If you put one scratch ‘pon this dubplate..." Soundsystem owners understand that sentiment exactly!

Junior Byles – Fade Away

[Eagle Records, 1975]

Roots reggae is about the lyrics, just as much as the music. This song is about both. The backing track combines hard-hitting drum and bass, and the lyrics are straight to the point, no nonsense. This was Junior Byles’ biggest record and one that brought him success in Jamaica and the UK. Recorded in 1975, this is still a firm favourite in any selector's box. Again, this was also featured in another classic reggae film, Rockers.

Damian Marley ft. Yami Bolo – Still Searching

[Halfway Tree, Island Records, 2001]

This is my top Damian Marley track – PERIOD. Taken from the Grammy-winning Halfway Tree, the album that also that brought us all to the attention of Damian Marley. Produced by my childhood friend 'Scratch Professor' – who is R'n'B legend Omar’s younger brother – this track has so many high points in both the melody and structure of the song. Damian has a knack of recording artists that other producers may have overlooked. Yami Bolo’s voice sounds just as strong as many of his classic songs from the 80s: a perfect combination from a near-perfect album.

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Liverpool International Music Festival's Summer Jam takes place at Sefton Park from 22-24 July; free entry.