Naya Rockers, in association with Floki Studios (Iceland), proudly present Higher Education, an 11-track benefit LP uniting some of the most respected names in reggae, ska, dub, and New Orleans R&B. Recorded across 15 studios in five countries and featuring Grammy-winning artists, engineers, and musicians, the album was created to support youth music education at Kingston, Jamaica’s historic Alpha School of Music. Backed by the powerhouse 10-piece Naya Rockers band featuring reggae legends like Earl “Chinna” Smith (Rolling Stone’s list of 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time), members of The Skatalites, John Brown’s Body, and Slightly Stoopid, Higher Education is as much a cultural statement as it is a musical milestone.
From the opening track “Come With Us” by Clinton Fearon to the reflective closer “Thanks Dub” from Mad Professor, Higher Education is a journey through roots, rhythm, and global collaboration. Side A boasts Ivan Neville’s (Aaron Neville’s son) title track “Higher Education,” Sister Nancy’s powerful “Teach The Youths,” the soulful gratitude of Hector “Roots” Lewis’ “Thanks,” the legend Stephen Marley’s uplifting “The Right Path,” and Mad Professor’s bass-heavy “Dub With Us.” Side B delivers 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 a final dub excursion from Mad Professor.
Hector “Roots” Lewis — part of Jamaica’s next generation of reggae torchbearers — brings unique depth to “Thanks.” Born into music as the son of singer Barbara Jones, Hector is a Grammy-nominated musician, educator, and actor, portraying Carlton Barrett in the 2024 Bob Marley: One Love film. His contribution embodies the bridge between reggae’s foundation and its vibrant future.
The album was mixed by Stephen Stewart (Bob Marley, Third World, Steel Pulse) and Naya Rockers founder Nathan Sabanayagam at the legendary Tuff Gong Studio and Anchor Studios in Kingston, Jamaica. Its creation was a truly international effort: 15 studios, 15 engineers, 10 featured artists, and a global network of musicians came together to make a record the old-fashioned way — with soul, precision, and purpose.
About Naya Records & Naya Rockers
Founded by drummer/producer Nathan Sabanayagam in 2009, Naya Records bridges reggae’s past, present, and future, with releases from icons like Johnny Clarke, Mad Professor, and Clinton Fearon, as well as next-generation voices. The Naya Rockers are its beating heart, a riddim collective that has performed and worked with all the genre’s architects, making sure the deepest of reggae’s meanings and legacies are preserved through new music.
About Alpha School of Music
The Alpha School of Music in Kingston, Jamaica provides tertiary-level training to young men and women passionate about careers in music and entertainment. Established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1880, Alpha began as an orphanage before introducing music education in 1892. Since then, it has nurtured some of Jamaica’s most legendary musicians, including jazz innovators Dizzy Reece and Joe Harriott, ska pioneers Don Drummond and Lester Sterling, and reggae icons Johnny Osbourne, Yellowman, and Leroy Smart. Often called a “dream factory” (NPR) for “legendary musicians” (Jamaica Gleaner), Alpha offers at-risk youth up to six years of free training, with 25% of students attending on scholarship. Modern facilities and diverse musical programs ensure Alpha remains at the heart of Jamaica’s music legacy, making the Higher Education benefit album a fitting tribute.
About Floki Studios
Directed by Wade Koeman, Iceland’s Floki Studios is dedicated to producing music with uncompromising sonic standards. The studio partnered with Naya Rockers on Higher Education not only to create exceptional music but to generate lasting impact through Alpha School of Music.
Higher Education will be released worldwide on streaming platforms and in the form of exclusive vinyl on September 12th, 2025. Vinyl pre-orders are now available at shop.flokistudios.com
