Floki Studios and Naya Records connects reggae legends and today’s rising stars
Daily Reggae caught up with Nathan Sabanayagam to learn more about Naya Records, a new Naya Rockers album set to release this summer with Floki Studios, and the Alpha School of Music!
Nathan - Congratulations on the upcoming album! We listened to the track “Higher Education” by Naya Rockers and Ivan Neville and it’s a jam!
I understand that much of the music on the album was made in the Floki Studios. Where is the studio and what makes it a special place to create?
Haganasvik, Iceland. It is a 4 hour drive North from Rejykavik on a secluded piece of land with the ocean on one side and a lake on the other. It is a magical place where the Northern lights dance at night.
Needless to say the studio environment combined with its state of the art facility that supports both analog and digital recording was very inspiring.
How long has Naya Records been around and what makes the label stand out in today’s reggae music scene?
Naya Records was created in 2009 releasing music I recorded in Kingston. Kiddus I’s “Green Fa Life” and a compilation “Grassyard Productions Vol. 1” were some of the first releases. Featuring many veteran artists and musicians including: the late Johnny “Dizzy” Moore, Bob Andy and Chris Meredith also Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Ken Booth. It is the contributions of these greats and also next generation of Jamaican Artists that make the label stand out in today’s reggae scene.
Tell us about the Alpha School of Music! What is it’s heritage and how are you all involved today?
The Alpha institute formerly Alpha Boys School is the cradle of Jamaican Music. Started in 1896 by The Sisters of Mercy. Alpha would train the future Skatalites as well as the Rocksteady and Reggae Pioneers. I have been working with Alpha throughout the last decade, I helped compile a tribute album for fundraising as well as coordinating and organizing educational exchanges.
When does the album drop and can the fans expect some live shows in 2024?
Album will drop Summer 2024…You can expect us to hit the road with some of our featured artists from the record.
