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Left to right, Lady Saw and Rita MarleyWhether it is a matter of a big heart, broad back or just trying to fulfil a need where 'Mother Nature' has failed, several entertainers have adopted children.
The mothers' stories are tear-jerking slices of reality; breathing love, sacrifice and dedication to the children they have invited into their homes and hearts.
Dancehall DJ Lady Saw has one child. So close is the relationship between the two that she refuses to acknowledge that 'Boo-Boo' is adopted. She has been mother to the 14-year-old high school student for over five years. It was a proud Lady Saw who boasted of her 'A-student', who has received several gold medals.
"She is a very bright girl. She is very beautiful and I am very proud of her. Most people tink dat she is mine, because she fava me yuh see. She call me 'Mommy' and me love her like is me give birth to her.
"We go out a lot... Dunn's River, movies and wherever any likkle ray-ray de. But no dance though. Sometimes I bring her there and pick her up afterwards," she told Showbiz.
The DJ does most of the cooking and while she does not spoil her daughter, she provides everything for her comfort. She does not go to church, but she sends 'Boo-Boo', her tithes and her two nephews, who also live with her.
Lady Saw said that among the things they talk about are 'Boo-Boo's' late mother and plans by the performer to have a child of her own.
"I plan on getting my own and I am working on that right now. When that happens I will take a break from my career," she said.
In addition to the 14 dogs (Poodles, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds) Lady Saw owns, 'Boo-Boo' has adopted a poodle, Melissa.
Visually impaired gospel singer, Adina Edwards has had her daughter, Amoie, from she was two days old.
"At that time she was very sick and God help me to make her better.
"I do not call her an adoption and she does not call me anything but mother, because she never knew any other. She is my sixth child," the gospel singer told Showbiz.
"The most special thing about Amoie is that she a pretty girl and to think she loves this blind, ugly, old woman. It's very touching. I love her," the entertainer said.
Adina drew on memories of the morning and evening walks which were a part of both their lives; taking her daughter to church and the bedtime stories she would tell.
"Whenever I needed any of my children they were always there. And when I called them to flog them, they would come and I wouldn't bother," she said with a laugh.
Adina said she spent her whole life "looking after children". In fact, she ran a large nursery in the 1970s in Kencot, Kingston, where she was responsible for over 48 children.
Amoie is now a 30-year-old nurse, who is studying in London, England.
Rita Marley, Bob Marley's queen has taken his 'One Love' message several steps further.
She has adopted 30 children in Accra, Ghana. When Showbiz tried to contact her, we were advised she was in Ghana. Her daughter, Sharon, said that in addition to the adoptions, her mother had opened a school in that country.
"There is a school and a day-care centre that my mother opened. She loves children immensely. She takes care of children between four and 12 years old. She ships lots of toys, clothing and foodstuff there," Sharon said.
According to Sharon in addition to the children in Ghana, her mother has "millions" of godchildren.
Pat Gooden, singer and hostess of the Colgate Cavity Fighters' Club, has no official adoptions, but she loves children and visits the Maxfield Park Children's Home every week.
"I started visiting in the early 1980s and have been visiting every Saturday for the last eight years. I take them out every Christmas and the choir I formed there to different hotels and other places to perform," she said.
According to the performer: "My house is full of children all the time. Being around children gives me a thrill.
"My favourite memory is the first time the (Maxfield) Choir performed in front of an audience... that was the greatest thrill," she told Showbiz.
Another singer, who preferred not to be named, said she adopted her child from he was six months old. He is now seven years.
She said he does not know he has been adopted and thinks her to be his natural mother.
"There is no difference between our relationship and others. As a matter of fact we might be a lot closer. Because I know he is not really mine, I pour all my love on him. In fact, people say I spoil him, but I love him so much," she said.
For the mother who took the child from a teenage parent, her son is being raised with a no-nonsense approach to life. Still, the creature comforts are many... from a television in his room and dozens of video games, to summers in Florida and the latest designer clothing.
Adoption is that priceless choice that changes the lives of both the parent and child. It is a situation where strangers become friends; where friends bond to become family.
Winston Wilson
