With a spike in murders and attacks against women in Jamaica, the Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk presents 10 reggae songs that empower women and men.

(1) She’s Gone — Bob Marley

Taken from the reggae king’s 1978 album, Kaya, Bob sings about a frustrated lover unwilling to put up with foolishness.

“She felt like a prisoner who needs to be free.

Fools have tried, yeah, wise men have failed:

Oh, listen to me, honey: Life could never be another jail.”

The I Three member comforts the down-and-out single mom in this song.Riley bares his soul on this solemn ode to womanhood.Released in 1993, Silk commends the independent woman here, singing On this track from the album This conscious sister shines on this empowering single from the 2009 Sizzla salutes motherhood on this African-inspired track produced by Bobby Digital.From the British band’s 1984 album Taken from 1976 album Released in 1994,

(2) Hush Baby Mother — Judy Mowatt

The I Three member comforts the down-and-out single mom in this song.

(3) Black Mother Prays — Jimmy Riley

Riley bares his soul on this solemn ode to womanhood.

(4) Oh Me, Oh My — Garnet Silk

Released in 1993, Silk commends the independent woman here, singing

“Not only good looking

You’d like to taste some fine cuisine

For you they’d make vacancy

Baby, you’ve got your PhD.”

(5) Peaceful Woman — Marcia Griffiths

On this track from the album Steppin (1978), the I Three member projects calmness and confidence.

(6) Lioness On The Rise — Queen Ifrica

This conscious sister shines on this empowering single from the 2009 Montego Bay album.

(7) Thank You Mama — Sizzla

Sizzla salutes motherhood on this African-inspired track produced by Bobby Digital.

(8) Sitting On A Throne Of Gold> — Steel Pulse

From the British band’s 1984 album Earth Crisis, the opening line, “She’s my queen, I’m her king man” says it all.

(9) Johnny Was — Bob Marley

Taken from 1976 album Rastaman Vibration, the single tells the story of a inner-city mother’s anguish at losing her son.

(10) Family Man — Everton Blender

Released in 1994, Family Man lauds men who work tirelessly to take care of their families.