DJ, entrepreneur, farm worker, but Odaine Small’s favourite title is Dad
Father, provider, entrepreneur, entertainer. Odaine Small moves between many roles, but one remains at the centre of everything he does, being a dad to Tia-Moy.
The 33-year-old juggles multiple responsibilities as he works to build a life for his family alongside Tia-Moy’s mother, Trishanna Martin. In addition to working as an event promoter, disc jockey for Stone Love, and operating a bar and cook shop with Trishanna, he also participates in Canada’s seasonal farm work programme, spending months away from home in pursuit of opportunities for his family.
That sacrifice, he says, is driven by one person above all else: his eight-year-old daughter, Tia-Moy. “That’s Daddy’s little expensive girl,” he said with a laugh.
Odaine describes fatherhood as the driving force behind his outlook on life. He credits his daughter with helping him see the world differently, inspiring him to focus on what truly matters.
“Since becoming a father, I look at life more positively now and try to avoid conflict as best as possible.”
Originally from Guys Hill, St Catherine, Odaine now resides in St Mary. Between entertainment engagements and seasonal farm work in Canada, distance is one of the biggest challenges he faces as a father. Despite this, Odaine makes every effort to ensure his daughter never questions his presence in her life. There is one call Odaine never misses. On the other end of the screen is Tia-Moy, eager to tell him about her day, her schoolwork and the latest happenings in her eight-year-old world. “We always keep in contact through video calls,” he said.
He speaks proudly of Tia-Moy’s accomplishments, describing her as a top scholar who understands that his sacrifices are rooted in love and a desire to provide for her future.
“She understands the hustle because she’s really smart and she knows she’s expensive,” he joked. “Daddy has to get it to maintain her.” The calls help bridge the distance, but whenever he is home, Odaine makes it a priority to be physically present as well.
“If I’m in Jamaica working, I always try to get home before it’s time for her to get ready for school so she can see that I’m present.”
When they’re together, the duo enjoy spending time watching movies, football or playing their own made-up game they call “bitings.”
“When we a do that, nothing else matters until somebody cries foul,” he said, laughing.
Those moments remain among his most treasured. Their playful bond is balanced by structure and discipline. Odaine describes himself as the stricter parent, often having to be the one who says no when Tia-Moy’s mother is more willing to give in.
“Sometimes her mother lets her get away with a lot of things, but I have to put my foot down.”
Still, every lesson comes from a place of love. He hopes to instil values that will guide his daughter throughout her life, though for now his focus is for her to continue focusing on school.
“I just want her to keep shining and continue being the brilliant child that she is. I want her to focus on her books because nothing else matters.”
When asked how Tia-Moy would describe him, Odaine doesn’t hesitate. “Miserable,” he said, bursting into laughter. “That’s what she would say. But she loves me dearly.”
Despite describing himself as a people person and confidently claiming the title of “number one father,” a title he believes his community would readily support, Odaine is not one to seek recognition and admits to not often celebrating milestones or special occasions, including his own birthday. “Child’s Month means more to me than Father’s Day, as long as my family is happy, I’m happy,” he said with reassurance.
Odaine Small is among three fathers Malta has chosen to highlight during this year’s Father’s Day celebrations, alongside Donald Andrade and Shapiro Cooke. Through its The Good You Give campaign, the brand honours men who consistently show up for their families through dedication, sacrifice and unwavering support, while encouraging reflection on the value of the father-child relationship.
As part of the initiative, Odaine and his family received a Mystic Mountain experience. While many would be looking forward to the attractions and adventure that come with a Mystic Mountain trip, Odaine’s excitement lies elsewhere.
“I’m just looking forward to seeing the joy on their faces throughout the day.”
When he learned he would be honoured this Father’s Day, he was both humbled and grateful.
“It’s a great feeling, it’s not like I’m looking for anything, but I really appreciate it,” he said.
Recognition may not be what drives him, but the love and commitment he pours into fatherhood define who he is. In Tia-Moy’s world, that verdict has already been made.
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