Naya Rockers - Higher Education (LP)

Higher Education is a genuine album project connecting the pioneers and current trendsetters of Jamaican music with New Orleans R&B, third wave ska and next generation dub and roots artists. Backed by Naya Rockers, a 10-piece band including guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith (picked by Rolling Stone as one of the world’s greatest guitarists of all-time), the album was recorded at the idyllic Floki Studios in Iceland with support from members of The Skatalites, John Brown’s Body and Slightly Stoopid. Higher Education was mixed at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston by Stephen Stewart. But thanks to Naya Records’ vision for the record, the most unique aspect of the project is that Floki Studios is donating all of its proceeds to the Alpha School of Music in Kingston, Jamaica for the next 10 years. Tell a friend, to tell a friend!

Thanks Dub (ft. Mad Professor)

The Alpha School of Music in Kingston, Jamaica provides tertiary level music training to young men and women passionate about careers in music and entertainment. Established by the Sisters of Mercy to address gaps in youth music education, Alpha continues the legacy of youth employment training and social service established with its founding as an orphanage in 1880. The Sisters of Mercy introduced music training in 1892 and many of Jamaica's most accomplished musicians trace their career back to Alpha such as jazz innovators (Dizzy Reece, Joe Harriott), ska pioneers (Don Drummond, Lester Sterling), and reggae icons (Johnny Osbourne, Yellowman, Leroy Smart). Alpha has been called a “dream factory” (NPR/USA) for “legendary musicians” (Jamaica Gleaner) which “helped release the spirit of one of the most musical islands in the world” (The Telegraph/UK). Today, 25% of Alpha School of Music students attend on scholarship and at-risk youth are offered up to six years of training at no charge. All Alpha students have access to a modern suite of practice, production and performance facilities as well as a diverse cross-section of musical styles, allowing students with a passion for music and entertainment to benefit from a higher education.