Naya Rockers, the musical project led by American drummer Nathan Sabanayagam and bassist Nate Edgar, first crossed our path with the release of their 2022 album 'Naya Sound System'. Their latest effort, 'Higher Education', takes things in a slightly different direction: this time it's a benefit album in support of Kingston's Alpha School of Music (formerly known as Alpha Boys' School).
By Jah Rebel
The track list features eleven cuts - nine vocals and two dubs - with Naya Rockers once again calling on a diverse roster of guest singers.
Clinton Fearon kicks off proceedings with ‘Come With Us’, followed by the likes of Sister Nancy, who reimagines Marcia Griffiths’ ‘Peaceful Woman’ as ‘Teach The Youths’, Stephen Marley with ‘The Right Path’, Mike Love’s ‘Long Way Down’, and Queen Omega delivering ‘Words Of Wisdom’.
Among the vocalists are also a few less familiar names: Jamaican singer and actor Hector ‘Roots’ Lewis from Saint Catherine contributes one of the album’s standout tracks with ‘Thanks’; Ivan Neville, son of Aaron Neville of Neville Brothers fame, lends his voice to the title track; and Angelo Moore, frontman and saxophonist for Fishbone, teams up with The Tamlins for the infectious ‘The Brotherhood’.
Rounding things off are two top-class dubs mixed by none other than Mad Professor: ‘Dub With Us’ (a dub version of Clinton Fearon’s opener) and ‘Thanks Dub’ (the companion to Hector ‘Roots’ Lewis’ ‘Thanks’.
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
October 13, 2025