This year would have marked the 72nd birthday of Gloria Wright, the beloved mother of celebrated Jamaican reggae musician Nesbeth, who was known affectionately to family and friends as Mama Gloria. Wright lost her decade-long battle with cancer in 2013, when she was just 59 years old. To honor her legacy and keep her memory alive a decade after her passing, her son has unveiled a deeply personal new tribute track titled *Mama’s Memories* that channels his decades-long love and grief into art.
In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, Nesbeth opened up about the core memories that shaped the song, focusing not on grand gestures but the quiet, unchanging warmth his mother brought to his life. “My fondest memories of my mother are really the simple moments; her love, her strength, and the way she always made me feel protected no matter what was happening around us,” he said. “I remember her sacrifices, her guidance, and the warmth she brought into our home. She had a spirit that could lift people up even while carrying her own burdens. Those memories stay with me every single day, and they continue to inspire me both personally and musically.”
Nesbeth, who has earned global acclaim for hit tracks including *Drive By*, *Success Story*, *Board House*, and *My Dream*, described losing his mother as one of the most devastating challenges he has ever navigated. “Honestly, it was one of the hardest moments of my life. Losing a mother leaves a pain that words can barely explain. At the time, it affected me deeply emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. There were moments of sadness, and confusion. But music became one of my ways of coping and healing. Instead of hiding the pain, I chose to express it through my art. Even today, the loss still lives with me, because grief doesn’t truly disappear, you simply learn how to carry it.”
Throughout Nesbeth’s rise in the reggae industry, Wright was one of his most consistent and passionate supporters. She never hesitated to encourage his creative ambitions, even as her own health declined. “Like any good mother, she wanted the best for her child, and she always encouraged me to stay focused and believe in myself. She understood my passion for music and believed I had a purpose,” Nesbeth shared. “It was heartbreaking to watch her fight cancer, but her strength through that fight still pushes me to work harder every day.”
For the artist, who is widely recognized for his raw, authentic storytelling through song, *Mama’s Memories* was a fully personal creative project, with Nesbeth overseeing every step of the process from initial concept to final production. “From the concept to the final sound, I made sure every element aligned with the message. Being at the helm allowed me to ensure authenticity,” he explained.
Beyond honoring his own mother, Nesbeth hopes the track resonates with listeners who have experienced the loss of a parent, creating space for them to process their own grief and find connection. “I want them to feel seen and understood. If they’ve lost someone, especially a mother, I want them to know they’re not alone. I want the song to take them through emotions — pain, love, reflection, but also healing,” he added.
Looking forward to the next chapter of his creative journey, Nesbeth has already revealed plans for his next release, which will continue his focus on heartfelt, real-life familial themes. Titled *Daddy Love* and produced by DJ Teddy Productions, the upcoming track will shift focus to the impact of fatherhood, continuing the artist’s exploration of personal, universal human experience through reggae.