More than thirty years after its original release, Ras Midas is finally presenting a reissue of his iconic 'Rastaman In Exile' album. At the time, the album was declared reggae album of the year in France, something which undoubtedly will have had something to do with the fact that with 'Trop Longtemps Dans Le Vent', Ras Midas also added a song in French to the track list (an idea from his manager at the time, Burt McKessy, who also wanted to promote Midas in the French-speaking part of the world). Among other things, the title track talks about: "... the seven walls that surround I.", denouncing the seven European Nations that started the intercontinental slave trade and later on colonization, and with 'Lean On Jah' Midas signed for a Rasta version of Bill Withers' 'Lean On Me'. Talking about this re-release Midas states: "I've been thinking about this for the past five years. People in Europe and Africa have told me it still has a significant meaning, especially based on what's going on in the world today. My grandmother always said: "The older the moon, the brighter it shines!". I am hoping that people will listen to this album and hear the messages. Perhaps my songs can help achieve some enlightenment and a higher consciousness." This is not just a reissue of the original album though: all tracks were remastered and remixed and two tracks ('Natty Dread Surprise' and 'Let The People Go', with the latter being a real ear catcher) were added to the original track list. For the original recordings of 'Rastaman In Exile', recorded at Harry J Studio and at Channel One with Sylvan Morris at the controls, Ras Midas collaborated with a host of good people: Robbie Shakespeare and Bertram 'Ranchie' McLean on bass, on guitar you'll hear Noel 'Sowell' Bailey, Erick 'Bingy Bunny' Lamont and Dwight Pinkney, on piano Gladstone 'Gladdy' Anderson, behind the keys Earl 'Wire' Lindo, Franklyn 'Bubbler' Waul, Robbie Lynn and Ansel Collins, Dean Fraser, Nambo Robinson and Glen DaCosta make up the horn section, Noel 'Scully' Simms, Bongo Herman en Sylvan Morris play percussion, and Marcia Griffiths was one of backing vocalists. The original artwork by Uhuru Akua also got an update (thanks to Johan Livens). Final conclusion: if this year you still decide on purchasing a reissue, let it be 'Rastaman In Exile'!