FLORIDA, United States — When Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths graces the stage today for a special 60th anniversary show in Miramar, Florida, she will be joined by a number of homegrown talents ready to serenade guests with the sweet sounds of reggae.

Elated to be included in a lineup which boasts the likes of Freddie McGregor, Tanya Stephens, Busy Signal, Cutty Ranks and Ky-Mani Marley, recording artiste Shuga says she is more than ready to showcase her talent on what she described as a huge platform.

Aptly, the concert is being held on a day when mothers are being celebrated globally. Shuga, a mother of two boys, told Observer Online that for her, the stars couldn’t have aligned more perfectly as she considers Griffiths a mother-figure, a source of inspiration and will take great pleasure in proving her capabilities on a shared platform.

“To be performing on the Queen of Reggae anniversary show on Mother’s Day is truly an honour. I’ve been emulating Marcia Griffiths since I was a child. She is indeed a mother figure to me and so to be performing on her show, you know my glad bag buss right,” she laughingly admitted.

Singing Griffiths’ praises, Shuga said she is captivated by the iconic singer’s ability to stay humble, relevant and royal — traits she says has made her an authoritative voice in local music. She expressed that as Griffiths’ music continues to transcend generations, the singer continues to inspire musicians in the same way good mothers inspire their children.

“I’m captivated by the way Marcia stays real, humble, relevant and royal. I mean, after so many years you can still book Marcia Griffiths and get a full house because her music is transcending. From generation to generation, she continues to mother us in music, a constant mentor and I’m not lying when I tell you that my two year old son’s favorite song is Dreamland,” she shared.

Speaking of her sons, Shuga admits that while she continues to chase her musical dreams, knowing her boys depend on her, has made her more determined to strike the balance between music and motherhood.

“Motherhood is actually that part of my journey that brings balance to my life. When I look at my boys all I hear is a lullaby, no matter how chaotic it gets. I just want to love and nurture them with everything and be the best version of myself for them,” she said.

“I’ve learnt so many lessons from my kids. It’s crazy how children are such great teachers. Being a mother is not something you can be well prepared for because there are different levels to motherhood but you learn as you go along you grow. All in all, I believe I’m doing a great job,” Shuga added.

But as she prepares to work on a day she would love to spend with her boys, Shuga says she takes solace in knowing every move she makes has their best interest at heart.

“One of the hardest things to do as a working mother is to leave your child in someone else’s care and miss out on their milestones. It’s not easy to balance mentally because the best place for my kids is with me. I pay attention, I listen and they have a safe space in my arms or leaning on my shoulders but I have awesome siblings who are great parents and they look out for my boys when I’m not around,” she said.

“I look at my boys and know that every step I took led me straight to them and this is why I trust that all things are working for my good.”

Shuga, who is getting ready to release her album, is currently promoting her latest single ‘Journey’. She told Observer Online that the track is her autobiography, a story she hopes will resonate with listeners.

“The song My Journey is a melodic autobiography that was inspired by actual events in my life.  From going on my first tour with Tanya Stephens as a background singer, to entering the Digicel Rising Stars talent competition in 2009, to traveling from Montego Bay to Kingston seeking musical opportunities. All in all it takes you on a journey into my life as an artiste,” she said.

“So far, the listening audience has been very receptive and I am very grateful. The song is also presently on three charts in Florida. I really just want the single to resonate with those who listen because in all honesty, it was originally a freestyle I was voicing out of frustration but I turned it into a song after posting it on my socials and receiving great feedback.”

No longer crippled by the bashful voices of critics, Shuga explained that she has grown tremendously since 2009 and is ready to truly expand her musical horizons.

“You know, on My Journey, I’ve thought of throwing in the towel on many occasions but of course a song always presents itself to ease my frustration. Ebony for example was one of those songs that came to me when I was in a very low place but it lifted and empowered me and many people can attest that music saved them, this is the power of music,” she shared.

“I’ve grown tremendously since the talent competition. I’m now writing my own songs and I’ve been creatively expressing my production talents and I’m a real mother. The truth is I used to confuse growing pains with failure and making mistakes with being immature but now, I make mistakes and I embrace them, I am not afraid to ask ‘stupid’ questions. I embrace disappointments and I see my ‘no’s’ as God’s navigation and if that ain’t growth then I don’t know what is. I used to pay attention to criticisms and they used to hurt me but I’m too busy right now being a real functional mom and doing meaningful things. The world and some of the people in it are very dark but I focus on the light,” Shuga said.