Meaning
A godmother — a woman who sponsors a child at christening and takes a lasting role in that child's life and upbringing. In Jamaican family and church culture the tie is taken seriously: a godmadda gives gifts, guidance, and support, and is treated as close kin. The child is her 'godpickney'.
Examples
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Mi godmadda always memba mi birthday.
My godmother always remembers my birthday.
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She stan up as godmadda a di christening.
She stood as godmother at the christening.
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Him godmadda help pay him school fee.
His godmother helped pay his school fees.
Origin
From 'godmother' with the Patois shift of 'mother' to 'madda'. See Madda, Godfada.
How it’s used
A godmother; a serious kin-like bond in Jamaican family and church life. Her godchild is 'godpickney'. See Godfada, Madda.