Long before controversial topics like critical race theory, the lack of black history in schools was a sensitive issue. Artistes like Sister Carol remembers those days vividly and has used her music to educate the ignorant.

She continues that journey with Nubian Woman, a song espousing the greatness of black women despite centuries of challenges such as slavery and discrimination.

“Blackness was not a big part of my childhood, because neither the Church nor the curriculum in schools embrace blackness. They were very quick to have you believe that everything black is no good. It was through Rastafari we came to learn about Africa and the greatness of this mighty race,” said Sister Carol.

Nubian Woman is self-produced for the veteran singjay’s Black Cinderella Records. It is scheduled for release on Thursday (March 23) as the world celebrates Women’s History Month.

While recognising achievements of trailblazing female artistes, Sister Carol is aware of colourful dancehall artistes whose controversial antics, such as skin bleaching and sensational social media postings, have influenced young women.

“I can’t be too concerned about the influence they have on young girls. We are obligated to instil messages of self-realisation and ‘herstory’ to them equally for them to know which road to choose. We invite them to stand on our shoulders just like how we’re standing on our ancestors shoulders,” she said.

“Loving one-self is the greatest love of all. We love the race, we are not racist,” she continued.

Sister Carol (born Carol East) is originally from Kingston but was raised in Brooklyn, New York, where her music career started in the late 1970s on sound systems such as Sons Junior, Downbeat The Ruler, and African Love. In the 1990s, she released a series of well-received albums through RAS Records and Heartbeat Records which won her a following in Europe and on the US West Coast.

In 2020 Sister Carol collaborated with American pop singer Jason Mraz on the song Time Out, from his album Look For The Good. She has also appeared in the Jonathan Demme-directed movies Something Wild, Married to The Mob and Rachel Getting Married.

On Saturday, Sister Carol headlines Sistah Fest at El Mocambo club in Toronto, Canada. Nana McLean, Jade Faith and Fancy Lady will also perform.