Mother’s Day is often a time that people reflect on fond memories with biological moms or other motherly figures. So, in celebration of this the Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk spoke to a few male artistes to hear their most cherished moments with the woman they call mom, as well as their favourite songs dedicated to mothers. We share the stories:

When I was younger, my mother and I used to go to my grandma’s [her mom], who was living in Spanish Town at the time, and we used to go there and we would always be making cakes. My grandmother would always bake a cake and give us the pan [with the mixture] to have fun with.

It was such a joy; that family feeling, and my mother was always there — young and hot at the time. I just always enjoyed that because I felt like it was both mom and grandma one time… it was always a family occasion. I really enjoyed those moments even though I’ve done so much with my mom. I’ve been to Dubai and Africa with my mom. But, for me, it’s those earlier days that stand out, because my grandma was also there.

My favourite song dedicated to mothers, even though it’s an unfortunate situation, is Celine Dion’s Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word). When I listen to it I think about how strongly her emotions were, even though it’s about a mother that has passed on and my mother is still alive… The sense of appreciation in the lyrics outdoes the chorus.

My favourite memory of my mom was helping her to make clothes, as she was a seamstress. So, I would either deliver the clothes or help pin some stuff together. Fun fact: One of her customers was Vybz Kartel’s mom, and that’s how I ended up meeting him one day, and here I am now as an artiste. So big up mi madda! My favourite song dedicated to mothers is my own song called Mama. I wrote that for my mom to show my appreciation and also to explain my side of the story — the creative journey — to her and why I had to leave home.

My favourite memory with my mom is when she found out that I could write poems and music. She was so happy. There are so many memories with her, but that one was special to me. My favourite song [for mothers] is Sizzla’s Thank You Mama, and why it is my favourite song, mothers do have choices when they are getting pregnant, and I’m grateful to be here even though carrying a baby for nine months isn’t easy. So I thank all mothers and respect all.

My mother died when I was four years old. But my mom leaving me that early helped me to grow up with other moms. My grandmother became my mom, and my fondest memory of her is she teaching me to pray in the nights before bed. I slept between her and my grandfather. I did a song for my mother called Mama. She had me when she was 17 and she never abort[ed] me, so I had to pay her [a] tribute.