Unlocking a side of him that fans have perhaps never seen, reggae artiste Nesbeth has once again managed to thrust himself back into the musical spotlight with a song celebrating the role of “sidechicks” in a relationship.
The single Sidechick Save Nuff Relationship, released three months ago, is now growing in popularity as it sparks quite a conversation among listeners.
While some believe the track is a slap in the face to faithful wives, others have lauded the entertainer for paying respects to deserving ‘sneaky links’ who offer support in ways a wife does not.
But for Nesbeth, he believes he is simply a realist, highlighting dynamics that already exist.
“The inspiration came from observing real-life situations. As an artiste, I sing about what people live, whisper, and argue about. This one just happens to be a hot-button topic,” he said.
The entertainer, who has lived the life of a faithful husband (and now fiancé), carefully responded to the
Jamaica Observer’s enquiry about whether the song is the product of lived experience on his part. Indicating that entertainers do not always write about their personal experiences, Nesbeth shared that he does not need to be in the “fire to sing about the heat”.
‘ ‘To whom it may concern’ is an important line in the song that usually misses most people. My music isn’t limited to personal experience — it’s about perspective. As an artiste, I sing about life in all its forms,” he said.
The artiste also fielded questions about his track emboldening the sidechick culture in relationships.
He, however, dodged the blame ball, outlining that his track holds a mirror to many relationships.
The artiste has been managing the varied reviews of the track.
“It’s been mixed [from listeners], which is expected. Some laugh, some agree, some challenge it. That tells me the song is doing what it should — sparking dialogue… Surprisingly, I’ve received more support from wives than backlash. Some take the opportunity to highlight how good a wife they are since their husbands do not need sidechicks. Of course, backlash is part of art. If everyone agreed, the song would be ordinary,” shared Nesbeth.
As it relates to his own fiancée and how she feels about her future husband supporting side pieces, Nesbeth said she is not perturbed by the song or the chatter it has created. He added that his partner is fully aware of his role as an artiste and understands that sometimes his content will stir controversy.
“She does not take the song personally,” he told the Observer. “My spouse is always supportive of my music. She fully understands my role as an artiste, and… is definitely not threatened in real life.”
As he expressed gratitude for the support the single has received so far, Nesbeth said he is not putting any labels on the track, as its hit potential will be decided by the fans.
Still, he said: “This song is bigger than an anthem — it’s social commentary dressed up in melody. The conversation around it suggests it is making waves.”
As he readies the accompanying visuals for the track, Nesbeth said he is hoping to close out 2025 strongly as he amps up promotion around several other tracks.
“The visuals for the song are in the works. The aim is to match the energy of the track with a concept that keeps the people talking. Alongside Side Chick Save Nuff Relationship, I’m also pushing other tracks that speak to upliftment and social reflection, including Know God and Str888 Nation,” he said. “My catalogue always balances the serious with the light-hearted.”
— Shereita Grizzle