For most of the past 20 years, Jah Silent helped care for his mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. When she died four months ago, he and producer Damion Nelson (aka TheRealTraxx) released a song the singer drafted several years ago.
‘My Closest Friend’ is that song. It salutes his mother who was diagnosed with the debilitating disease at age 54.
“Before she took sick she was the closest person in my life. It was impossible to be any closer than we were before the illness, and the nature of the sickness wouldn’t allow us to remain as close,” said Jah Silent.
Because of his mother’s illness, he was forced to suspend the music career that started almost 20 years ago and assist with her care.
He admits doing a song about her 18-year struggle with a disease that robs persons of their memory, was tough.
“Yes, it was very difficult writing and recording the track. Rewrote it a few times and even recorded a few versions previously but never released any,” he explained.
Jah Silent is from Spanish Town, Jamaica’s first capital which is located on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica’s current capital. He lists Jacob Miller, Bob Marley, Black Thought, Talib Kweli and The Fugees among his biggest influences.
Some of his previous songs include ‘Woman of Creation’ (featuring Warrior King), ‘Hold my Hands’ and ‘Dash A Fire’.
Written By Howard Campbell