OLDIES SUNDAY: Taiye Ft. Red Rat & Dahzee – Nani Naki Nana (2006)

May is recognized as “Child Month“. During this time on “Oldies Sunday“, we highlight some of our former Child stars. Many of our favourites started out in their much younger day, and either found success then, or it helped to develop their careers later in life. Today, we go back into time to check out Taiye, and her track, “Nani Naki Nana (or Naki Na Na)” .

Produced by Jah Snowcone on the “Applause/Mo’Applause Riddim” and released through Jah Snowcone Records/Rat-A-Kastle Records in 2006, it was all about learning with Taiye, her friend Dahzee, and her Father, Dancehall Artist Red Rat in, “Nani Naki Nana”. From encouraging kids to go to school, to promoting learning, to having manners and respect, it was all about being the best you can be in this fun collaboration. The song was carried by the catchy chant of “Nani Naki Nana”, and it resulted in the song becoming popular among the youth, it enjoyed radio airplay in Jamaica and parts of the world, and was welcomed in various schools. Red Rat took the opportunity to make a kid-friendly song as his daughter (whose Mother is Recording Artist Italee) showed interest in being a part of the Entertainment Industry. “Nani Naki Nana” was featured on the compilation project, “Mo’Applause” in 2007. The song was also sampled by International Recording Artist Christina Aguilera for her 2010 single “Monday Morning“, but was not credited.

Since the release of “Nani Naki Nana”, Red Rat continued his career which saw more music releases, and even more International bookings. Taiye went on to start a music career in her adult years, and released the single, “Leaving” under the stage name Taiye Takina in 2025. Not much is known of Dahzee at this time. “Nani Naki Nana” still connects with the kids who were introduced to the song back then. One has shared she nicknamed her sister after the song, others shared that they still play it to this day. It has also gained some popularity on Social Media recently.