JAMAICA’S love affair with the British-made Clark’s shoe is well documented. But, not so its complementing sidekick — the ‘diamond socks’.

Singer Iba Mahr wants to change that with his latest single, Diamond Sox.

“The inspiration come through all that I an’ I grew up come see, my grandfather and father portray that image of wearing diamond socks, Arrow shirt, mesh merino. And today, not just me alone, but is a lifestyle that many youth come tek on to. So is nothing that we fabricate, is just a part of our own history,” the roots-reggae singer told the Jamaica Observer.

Released on April 29, Diamond Sox is the first single from the singer’s yet-to-be-titled EP by producer Wayne ‘Unga’ Thompson

on the Notis Record label (formerly Notice Productions).

Iba Mahr (given name Mario Greaves) says he wears diamond socks to every show. He even researched its origins which goes back to the 17th century when Scottish Highlanders wore them. They were generally known as Tartan Hose.

The knit-wear became fashionable in Great Britain and the United States after World War I.

Iba Mahr, who holds a degree in computing and management studies from the University of Technology, is encouraging his peers to get academically qualified.

“It will, without doubt, put you in a more marketable position. A s a result, I implore every youth to seek formal education and become qualified, especially in skilled areas,” he said.

He intends to create community workshops and improve the computer skills of youth in his hometown of Cheesefield in Linstead, St Catherine.

Iba Mahr is scheduled to tour Europe and the United States this summer, performing on events like the Summerjam Festival in Germany and Reggae On The River in California.