September 15, 2022 will forever be etched in selector-turned-recording artiste Mawga Don’s memory.

That day, he was involved in a motor accident on the Lacovia main road in St Elizabeth, which had a severe impact on not only his life, but also his ability to consistently release music.

“Mi cry like every day, because people have to change mi, and sometimes feed me. I have to be depending on others to assist and mi not used to that,” Mawga Don told the Jamaica Observer recently.

Since the accident, Mawga Don has been confined to a wheelchair, but he said that these days he has more reasons to be joyful than to be in a state of depression.

His debut album, Respect, was released in August via Don Squad Music. The 16-track set features the songs Old Love, New Love, Forever Love, Grandma, Chemistry, and
Set You Free.

“The album was initially to be released four years ago, but the accident came and everything get mash up. So that made the album very close to me. And I give thanks to the Almighty for life and the determination that I have because, based on my situation with that terrible accident, and then confined to a wheelchair, to put out an album takes energy and money. Furthermore, I was doing all of that whilst at Mona Rehab. I just said to myself one day, ‘Mi still have mi voice and can just gwaan balance out miself wid some dubplates,” Mawga Don explained.

He said the album embodies reflects on lessons learned in childhood growing up with his grandmother, “Miss Vie”.

“All the songs on it are about love and my time growing up with my grandmother. She was also the one who inspired me to pursue music,” said the Middle Quarters, St Elizabeth, resident.

Mawga Don, whose real name is Adrian Daley, told the Observer that among his influences was “a sound system in the area called Magnum Force, and when that turned on mi always tune in until mi start play on it. Then mi start play a next sound name King Legend until mi have my own for about 15 years now”, he said.

The artiste said he is very proud of album and grateful for the support.

“To be honest, mi feel good knowing that the album was produced by myself, even though contributions came from both Black Carpet and Echo One Productions. I have to also give thanks for the support that I am getting from the sound system operators and fans here and abroad,” he said.

Mawga Don began his musical journey in 2017 when he released the songs Dancehall Controversy and Big Sound Tune Up.