Each Mother’s Day, gospel singer Jabez says he is overcome by the grief of losing his mom to illness more than three decades ago.

“I lost my mother when I was attending Dinthill (Technical High) over 30 years ago. She was 55 and I was 17… I never got the chance to give her anything, as I was still in school. So what I do is to try make other mothers happy on the day,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

This evening, Mother’s Day, the gospel singer will be hosting the 10th staging of Thank You Mama. The event is scheduled for the lawns of his alma mater in Linstead, St Catherine. Show time is slated for 6:00 pm.

The event conceptualiser is promising a treat to patrons attending the annual gospel fest.

“We’re going all out for the mothers. It’s going to be a great event. We’re going all out to fete the mothers, to make them feel good on their special day,” he said. “I want everybody to come out and support the event, as it’s a very special occasion. There’ll be plenty of giveaways.”

Jabez, who is also a pastor at the Family Love Church in Linstead, said he is adding a new twist to tonight’s show, which he labels as the “largest production” in the series.

“We’ll have an international flavour in the form of Adrian Cunningham, a Jamaican who lives in Florida. He, will be gracing the stage. He has this big hit song titled Lord I Love You,” he said.

Born in Kingston, Cunningham grew up in several communities across the island: Duncans, Trelawny; Kitson Town, St Catherine; and Seaview Gardens in the Corporate Area. He however, migrated to Florida where he still lives today.

His other songs include Rest In The Arms, He’s On My Side, Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand, and Holy Ghost Fire .

Jabez said part proceeds from the event will be donated to charity, while another portion will be used to fete children in the community in August.

“I have been doing this for the past five years,” he said.

Hailing from the Linstead community, Jabez (given name Clive Provost) has made a name for himself in gospel circles. His sophomore set, Reconnect, which was released in December, debuted at number 33 on the Billboard Reggae album chart at the end of January 2017.

He is known for songs including Drinking From my Saucer, Warrior O and Mi Know Say Mi Blessed .

He had a word of advice for children on how to treat their mothers.

“I encourage people to do their best with their moms. Treat them well, they deserve it. Many times I cry because I never got the opportunity to be with mine for long, but God knows best. I also want to use this opportunity to say: ‘Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!’”

In addition to Jabez, other acts scheduled for Thank You Mama include Rian Davis, Morgie, and Junior Rumble.