Samory I says ‘village’ helps raise his son
As a single father whose music career often takes him overseas for weeks at a time, roots reggae singer Samory I is the first to admit he couldn't do it all without help. For him, raising his son, Jahseh, is a team effort -- he leans on his 'village' for support.
However, whenever he can, Samory I takes Jahseh along with him to some of his gigs, and the precocious youngster can be counted on to give his own performance backstage.
Samory I admits that life has changed in the best possible way since becoming a father.
"My life has changed drastically ... my son taught me to love with patience and understanding. Knowing that I'm responsible for a life and seeing my child grow to be his own person freely is wonderful. It's tough sometimes ... sometimes I take him to work, or I leave him wid CC [his 'queen'], Bridgett [Anderson, manager] or my mother," Samory I told THE WEEKEND STAR.
Recently, he took Jahseh, who just turned five, on his first trip overseas and it was a fulfilling experience on many levels.
"We went to the US . It was an amazing experience ... seeing the joy in my son's eyes as he boarded the plane ... when it took off, watching him look through the window at the sky in joy. I was overcome with all types of emotions because growing up in the ghetto, I dreamt of doing those things as a child with my family -- and to see it happening now."
The singer, whose given name is Samory Tour Frazer, has been involved in music professionally since 2015. He is known for songs such as Rasta Nuh Gangsta, Take me oh Jah, Call on Jah and Just Believe. His debut album, Black Gold, was released in 2016 and his 2023 album, Strength, is dedicated to his son.
Samory I grew up in the Kencot area of Kingston and was raised by his "strong Seventh-day Adventist mother" and his father, who is his role model.
"My relationship with my father is everything," Samory I shared. "He is the general ... he is my best friend. The most important lesson he taught me is that 'If you can't carry your burden, you're not a man because it's when the time gets toughest that's when you're gonna have to stand on your own two feet.' I don't have a song paying tribute to fathers ... but mi honour every father by representing the right way for my son," said Samory I.
He has strong views on good fathers. "I don't think good fathers are good to get respect ... we just do it for the betterment of our child or children."
Samory I, who is "often celebrated", is not sure how he's going to spend Father's Day.
"But ... more than likely the queen will give I an adventure. LOL!" he declared.