Reggae & Dancehall celebrates Mother’s Day everyday and WMV takes a look at some of the biggest songs about “Mama” from reggae and dancehall. In reggae music a mother is not always a person but sometimes a metaphor used to symbolize a whole country or continent. These songs perfectly capture the affection and sentimental care these artists have for “Mama” and they are still turntable hits.
1. “Thank You Mama” by Sizzla – Released in 2002 by VP Records.
This song is a heartfelt tribute to mothers and their unwavering love.
“Thank You Mama” is no doubt one of the most popular “Mama” songs to ever come out of Jamaica and reggae music. The song recently found favor with Toronto’s finest Aubrey Graham A.K.A. Drake who used it as a tribute to his mother’s 75th birthday in January.
The Rich Flex rapper quoted Sizzla’s opening line for his song “Thank You Mama”, from the album Da Real Thing (2002). He posted picture of his son, his mother and father with the caption: “Thank you mama for the nine months you carried be through…all the pain and suffering. No one knows the pressure you bear just only you…give you all my love” and he credit “Kalonji”, Sizzla’s moniker.
2. “Mama” by Vybz Kartel – Released in 2009 on Pon Di Gaza 2.0. Album
This song is a tribute to mothers and the sacrifices they make for their children. Kartel goes into his singing bag to express how he works hard to liberate his mother from small circumstances to ensure she is never in need.
3. “Mama Africa” by Peter Tosh – Released in 1983.
This song is a tribute to Africa, which Tosh refers to as a mother figure after he paid a visit to the continent and saw the richness of Africa. The single is the lead track for the album of the same name released on EMI Records. The album peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 chart becoming Tosh’s most successful album in the US.
4. “Mama” by Anthony B – Released in 2015.
The original fire man wails about his own mother as well as highlighting the strength of mothers all over Jamaica. The tribute underscored the important role they play in shaping their children’s education and overall upbringing.
5. “Mama” by Garnett Silk – Released in 1995.
Not to be confused with Mama Africa by Silk, “Mama” is a song in tribute to Garnett Silk’s mother and the selflessness and sacrifice. The song immediately became a hit upon its released. The signature keys and high hat intro followed by Garnett’s relatable lyrics are appropriate for both Sunday mornings on Mother’s Day as well as it can be heard two decades later in the mix at dancehall session sessions. The Accapella version on Spotify is just as serenading.
He sings “I wish every momma was as sweet as you are.” Garnett was a true hero to his mother to the very end. Dave Thompson, 2002 book “Reggae & Caribbean Music” recalled how Silk died after trying to rescue his mother from a fire in Mandeville. He was learning how to operate a gun at his mother’s how when it fired and hit a propane tank. He and his friends escaped but his mother was left in the house. He went back inside to get her but it was took late and the fire took both of their lives.
