Misha Lobban, Gleaner Writer 
In a friend you find a second self.
- Isabelle Norton
With her magnificent voice and extraordinary composing talent, Judy Mowatt has been a trendsetter in Jamaica's music industry. She has made a significant impact on reggae music both as a member of the I-Threes, backup group for reggae superstar Bob Marley, and as a solo artiste. She is also the first Jamaican female singer nominated for a Grammy in the category of reggae music in 1985, following the release of her album, Working Wonders.
She began her music career in her early teens and later formed a vocal trio called the Gaylettes. In 1970 when the group disbanded, Mowatt focused on her solo career, recording a number of hits, including I Shall Sing in 1974, a solo album, Mellow Mood, in 1975, and the 1979 album, Black Woman, which is still considered one of the greatest albums to be released by a female artiste in Jamaica.
In 1975, she teamed up with Marcia Griffiths and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes. The group provided background vocals for Bob Marley until the time of his death in 1981. The group's remarkable harmonies and dance movements, choreographed by Judy, were the highlights of Bob Marley's concerts around the world.
Formerly a member of the Rastafarian movement, she converted to Christianity in the late 1990s and now sings gospel music. In 1998 she released her debut gospel album, Love. In 2000, she released a project called, 'Soldiers of Jesus Christ', featuring other reggae artistes who became born-again Christians, including Papa San, Lt Stitchie, Chevelle Franklyn, Carlene Davis, Junior Tucker, Winston 'Bello' Bell of Bello and Blacka fame, and Lady Junie.
In 1999, she was awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for her significant contribution to Jamaican music.
Formerly a member of the Rasta-farian movement, Judy Mowatt converted to Christianity in the late 1990s. - Contributed
One who strongly believes in giving back to society, Judy spearheaded in 1994 an organisation called Concerned Women in Action, primarily to assist in acquiring a well-needed generator for the Fort Augusta Correctional Centre For Women. She continues to be involved in organising many charitable events for various institutions.
Her best friend is Andrea Groce, a real estate agent and self-confessed 'travelholic'. Andrea tells us about Judy's gourmet skills, including her salmon that leaves you wanting more and her fruit cake that is renowned in Jamaica and in Ethiopia.
How did you meet Judy Mowatt and how long have you been friends?
We have known each other for about 13 years. I grew up knowing of Judy as an iconic person in the music arena, but we actually met when Bible Teachers International (which we now both attend) held a conference and a mutual friend of ours invited her to the event. I remember her clearly walking into the room with Andrew Lawrence. There was warmth exuding from her and I had this feeling that she was someone I would love to know.
As fate would have it, we were introduced by Andrew (who is now deceased) and we became fast friends, spending hours on the telephone and hanging out together. I would also go with her to concerts where she was performing, or whenever she went out to minister the Word. She is like one of my blood sisters and, to an extent, I am closer to her than some of my siblings.
Tell us what you admire most about her, and why you think you have remained friends all these years.
Her humility. She is not affected by the trappings of superstardom and she is very real. She loves genuinely and will be there for you regardless.
As friends, I think we truly understand each other. Sometimes, I don't have to say something for her to know how I feel about a matter, and vice versa. We know each other well, we trust each other and we can tell each other the truth about each other, and the love between us remains unchanged.
Tell us something interesting about Judy.
She is as close to a gourmet chef as I know. Her salmon is really good and it leaves you wanting more, and her fruitcake is renowned from the palace in Ethiopia to a small community in Bath, St Thomas. It is literally a bomb!
What are some of the things you talk about when you get together?
We talk about everything. She adores her family and so we talk a lot about her children and grandchildren. We talk about the Word, world events and she is very health-conscious, so we tend to talk about health issues as well.
Share with us one of the happiest moments you have experienced with her.
One of the happiest moments was our trip to Ethiopia in 2005 for Bob Marley's celebration. Like all things with Judy, the trip was eventful from the beginning. It was a memorable and fulfilling time for her because it was a place she had always dreamt of visiting, to experience the culture, the people and the country. I enjoyed just being there with her especially because it was so spontaneous. She called me the Monday to ask me to accompany her to Ethiopia on the Thursday. Never in my wildest dream would I have had the opportunity to go there and it was a fabulous experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of her, and why.
Dependable. She's someone I can count on, and not just me but others. It's just her character.
What are her favourite food, favourite music and favourite sport?
She loves salmon, shrimp and seafood in general.
Reggae music, she was born with it in her bones.
I think it is athletics.
Tell us the colour that you associate with her:
Yellow - signifying someone you'll never forget
Orange - signifying someone you consider your true friend
Red - signifying someone you really love
Green - signifying someone who has had a significant impact on your life.
I would choose all the colours. I treasure our relationship. I believe that there was, and is, purpose in our friendship as God has used it to make us both better persons. A lot of people see the glitz and glamour of her being a popular entertainer, but I know that she has been through challenges, and because of what she has been through she is someone of remarkable strength and character and that has endeared her to me. I look forward to the fulfilment of the things God has called her to do and I see us growing old together and doing more of the things we enjoy doing together.
Please send your feedback and comments to lobban_misha@yahoo.com.
