Mother-Daughter Reggae Duo Sister Carol and Nakeeba Amaniyea Soar “Beyond the Sky” with New Album
For Sister Carol, a pioneering figure in conscious Reggae and a Grammy-nominated artist, the project is more than a collaboration—it’s a continuation of calling. Amaniyea said the album encourages listeners to transcend self-imposed limitations.
In a groundbreaking moment for Reggae music, legendary artist Sister Carol and her daughter Nakeeba Amaniyea have joined creative forces for the first time to release their collaborative album Beyond the Sky — a project that blends generations, cultures, and consciousness into one unified sound.
The mother-daughter duo spoke with Atlantic City Focus ahead of the album’s debut, sharing stories of legacy, inspiration, and the spiritual bond that shapes their music.
A Family Name with a Higher Meaning
The title Beyond the Sky emerged from a family-wide conversation. “We explored about 20 to 30 different names,” Sister Carol said. “But we unanimously came up with Beyond the Sky because there’s a song on the album by that name—and we wanted to inspire the next generation.”
Amaniyea, who initially suggested the title after discussing it with a friend, said it felt both personal and prophetic. “We’re a tight-knit crew,” she said. “When I shared the idea with my mom and the family chat, everyone agreed. It just fit. It felt like what we were trying to say with this music.”
Legacy and Purpose in Harmony
For Sister Carol, a pioneering figure in conscious Reggae and a Grammy-nominated artist, the project is more than a collaboration—it’s a continuation of calling.
“I was sent here to do this,” she said, recalling her upbringing in Denham Town, Kingston, Jamaica, where she lived across from one of the island’s biggest recording studios. “Music has always been my nature. I answered the call early.”
Amaniyea, meanwhile, admitted her journey was more reluctant. “I dodged the call for a long time,” Amaniyea said. “I was shy, but I’ve come to realize that music is a reverent demand—it’s purpose. It’s what I have to do.”
The album, she added, encourages listeners to transcend self-imposed limitations. “I want people to go beyond their ceilings—beyond whatever they think their limits are—and step into their fullness.”
Rooted in Reggae, Raised in Revolution
Amaniyea’s childhood home doubled as a creative hub for Reggae legends. “Everyone from Sister Nancy to Barrington Levy and Brigadier Jerry came through our living room,” she said. “That was my classroom. That’s where I found my voice.”
Theresa Veronica Kennedy
Their shared influences—ranging from Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin to Burning Spear and Lauryn Hill—infuse the record with both classic and contemporary soul.
“Reggae is the people’s music,” Sister Carol said. “It’s the beat of the heart—the drum and bass in synchronization. Even if people don’t know the words, they feel it.”
Crafting Consciousness That Connects
Known for blending activism and artistry, the pair say the key is authenticity. “Keep it real,” Sister Carol said simply. “You can inspire people spiritually, politically, and educationally—but it has to make sense. It has to move them.”
Amaniyea agreed, emphasizing a generational touch. “If my kids can’t feel it, we don’t release it,” she said with a laugh. “They’re our first audience. If they vibe with it, we know it’s right.”
Collaborations and Career Milestones
The 13-track album features five joint performances and eight individual interpretations on shared rhythms. Both artists bring impressive résumés to the project.
Sister Carol has collaborated with Buju Banton, Marcia Griffiths, and Jason Mraz, and appeared in several Jonathan Demme films including Something Wild, Married to the Mob, and Ricki and the Flash. She was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1996 for Lyrically Potent.
Amaniyea’s collaborations span genres—from Cappadonna of Wu-Tang Clan to the late Fatman Scoop—and she has written for international dance producers across the globe.
From Stage to Classroom
Both artists are educators, and they see Beyond the Sky as an extension of their teaching. “We’re widening the classroom,” Amaniyea said. “Music lets us reach more people with messages about culture, love, and family.”
That message of family runs deep. “Out of family came all these institutions—government, community, culture,” Sister Carol said. “This album is about coming back together as families, creating more love and togetherness.”
The Next Generation
The legacy continues beyond the stage. Sister Carol proudly mentioned her seven granddaughters and six grandsons, several already showing musical promise. “It’s a beautiful feeling to see my offspring carry the torch,” she said. “I’m not just doing it anymore—they’re doing it too.”
As the duo launches Beyond the Sky, they hope it will serve as both soundtrack and statement: a reminder that music, like family, knows no limits.
“I never knew I’d become such a fan of my daughter,” Sister Carol said with a smile. “That’s a proud feeling. And this album—it’s just the beginning.”
Album: Beyond the Sky
Artists: Sister Carol & Nakeeba Amaniyea
Genre: Reggae / Conscious Music
Release Date: September 20, 2025
Available on: All major streaming platforms
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