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Naya Rockers, in association with Floki Studios (Iceland), proudly present Higher Education, an 11-track benefit LP uniting some of the most respected voices in reggae, ska, dub, and New Orleans R&B. The project stands as both a cultural statement and a musical milestone, created to support youth music education at Kingston, Jamaica’s historic Alpha School of Music.
Founded in 2009 by drummer and producer Nathan Sabanayagam, Naya Records has become a bridge between reggae’s past, present, and future. With releases from icons like Johnny Clarke, Mad Professor, and Clinton Fearon, alongside next-generation talent, the label continues to honor reggae’s roots while pushing its legacy forward. At its center is the Naya Rockers, a powerhouse riddim collective that has performed with many of the genre’s founding figures, preserving reggae’s deepest meanings through new music.
Recorded across 15 studios in five countries, Higher Education brings together Grammy-winning artists, engineers, and musicians, backed by the dynamic 10-piece Naya Rockers band. The album features contributions from reggae legends such as Earl “Chinna” Smith (named by Rolling Stone among the 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time), members of The Skatalites, John Brown’s Body, and Slightly Stoopid.
The tracklist reflects a journey through roots and global collaboration. Side A opens with Clinton Fearon’s “Come With Us,” and includes Ivan Neville’s title track “Higher Education,” Sister Nancy’s commanding “Teach The Youths,” Stephen Marley’s uplifting “The Right Path,” Hector “Roots” Lewis’ soulful “Thanks,” and Mad Professor’s bass-heavy “Dub With Us.” Side B brings Mike Love’s “Long Way Down,” Angelo Moore & The Tamlins’ unifying “The Brotherhood,” Queen Omega’s empowering “Words of Wisdom,” Micah Shemaiah’s roots meditation “Same Lessons to Learn,” and closes with Mad Professor’s reflective “Thanks Dub.”
A standout on the album, Hector “Roots” Lewis—son of Barbara Jones and a Grammy-nominated musician, educator, and actor who portrayed Carlton Barrett in the 2024 Bob Marley: One Love film—embodies reggae’s next generation while paying homage to its foundation. His performance on “Thanks” highlights the album’s message of gratitude, continuity, and resilience.
Mixed at Kingston’s legendary Tuff Gong Studio and Anchor Studios by Stephen Stewart (Bob Marley, Third World, Steel Pulse) and Nathan Sabanayagam, the album is the product of a truly international effort. With 15 studios, 15 engineers, 10 featured artists, and a global network of musicians, Higher Education was created the old-fashioned way—with soul, precision, and purpose.
Higher Education is available now on all major streaming platforms:open.spotify.com/album/5BHGmWU