A Dancehall Playlist For Mom

It has almost become a rite of passage for Jamaican artistes to release at least one song dedicated to the one they call mom.

Acts including Serani, Konshens, Capleton, Gyptian, Lady Saw, Anthony Cruz, Jah Vinci and Alkaline have recorded odes to moms all over. Even deejay Merciless penned Di Letter to his mother, inspired by his legal woes and regret for not taking heed to her teachings.

As maternal figures are showered with love today for their guidance and selflessness, DancehallMag presents some Jamaican songs which provide the ultimate soundtrack to the real life superhero called mother.

Thank You Mama, Sizzla

It’s been 18 years since Sizzla debuted this solemn, gratitude journal and it has gathered no dust. The one-drop production unfolds with heart-tugging guitar strings and the rattling sounds of the vibraslap, as Sizzla thanks his mom for all she’s done. The accompanying visuals chronicle the stages of motherhood from pregnancy to raising an adult now equipped for the world. Captured in a rural setting, the August Town singer journeys pass a pregnant woman carrying a basket, to a mother bathing her newborn. Another pitstop shows a mother teaching her son how to ride a bicycle, while another scene depicts a mischievous child stealing from a vendor. 

“You’re the one who teaches me all the good from the bad…” Sizzla sings as the mother reprimands the youth and has him return the fruit. Now a teenager, the son grows wiser and wants to make her proud, which he later accomplishes by pursuing his dreams and having a family of his own.  

Mama, Garnett Silk

Recorded at Courtney Cole’s Ocho Rios studio, Mama marked one of Silk’s earlier releases after he changed his moniker from Little Bimbo. The upbeat track sees Silk belting impassioned, velvety vocals giving an account of his mother stepping up to the plate as a single parent to provide for her children. Reflecting as an adult, Silk assures his old lady that he’ll take the reigns and take care of her.

Oh mama, you can depend on me now
Cause I see you’ve tried your best
Now it’s up to me to do the rest

Silk stuck by his word and started construction on a home for his matriarch in his childhood community of Mandeville. Before he could fulfill this dream, he perished in a fire alongside his mother in the unfinished home in 1994.

Mama, Christopher Martin

Martin encourages everyone to “buss a blank fi yuh mama” on the reggae track, which was inspired his mom, Cheeny. Like his peers, Martin acknowledges that he would not be the man he is today without the love and scarifices of his mother. Though other celebrity moms are featured in the video, it is Cheeny who is the true star. Martin pulls out all the stops to treat his queen, from having her chaffeured in a Range Rover, employing a glam team, and securing a private beach to serenade her. 

Mama You Alone, I-Octane

I-Octane takes us into his early years raised in a single-parent household, where his mom, a street vendor, worked assiduously to send him to school.

Though he now stands as one of the island’s most successful artistes, I-Octane revealed in a 2017 interview with the Jamaica STAR that his mother still practiced vending, despite him covering all her financial needs and more. 

Mama, Vybz Kartel

The Gaza Empire principal has referenced Mrs Palmer in several songs, but this 2009 NotNice-produced track shines brightest. Kartel sings for his queen in the chorus, and beams with pride for having provided her with a better life.  

Me nah go mek she bruk
Me put food inna the house
Me everything, fi mantain you
Hail the queen, so mi name you…

Though he is now completing a murder sentence, it’s safe to say Mrs Palmer is still being maintained thanks to his royalties.

Life Giver, Vybz Kartel

Released four days ago, Life Giver shows Kartel again publicly expressing his love and affection, especially to the ladies in his life. He has never been reluctant to sing to Tanesha, the mother of his children, one who many calls his ride or die partner.

In a soulful baritone, the Worl’ Boss acknowledges the woman who delivers his child to the world.

A Mother’s Love, TeeJay

Released yesterday, A Mother’s Love is a moving tribute that honors all mothers.  TeeJay sings of his unwavering dedication to his mother for all the struggles and sacrifices that she has made for him.