Nesbeth marks what would be Gloria Wright’s 72nd with Mama’s Memories tribute

Were she still here, Gloria Wright—known to many as Mama Gloria and mother to reggae singer Nesbeth—would be celebrating her 72nd birthday in 2026. She contended with cancer and died in 2013 at 59. Nesbeth has now brought out Mama’s Memories, a piece crafted to salute her 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. 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 told the Jamaica Observer.

The artist, whose recordings include Drive By, Success Story, Board House, and My Dream, said her passing stands among the most searing ordeals he has endured. “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,” Nesbeth shared.

He recalled steady encouragement for his musical path and said witnessing her illness was wrenching. “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.

He wants supporters to latch onto the meaning behind Mama’s Memories. “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.

Observers often praise the force of his narrative voice; Nesbeth said he guided the work from first spark to finished mix. “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.

He also pointed to his forthcoming cut, Daddy Love, built with DJ Teddy Productions, as another chapter that mines true-to-life material, this round centring on fathers.