Veteran dancehall artiste Macka Diamond says experimentation is par for the course in music. It’s the reason she decided to go full-fledged reggae for her latest single with an arguably surprising guest.

In an unlikely collaboration, but one Macka Diamond told Observer Online was like a “natural mystic”, the Cow Foot entertainer drew on Zamunda to produce a love song that showcases a new dimension of Diamond.

“Zamunda and I were seeing each other at the same places, around the same people, so the producer for the track, Mara said she had a song that she produced that she thought would be a good fit for me. It was a cover of I’ve Got You Babe and, when I listened, I loved the idea and the challenge,” she told Observer Online. “But in the back of my mind mi a say Zamunda a Rasta him nuh wah do nuttn wid di bawl head; but when he was approached, he was humble and nice and sweet about it and I appreciated that. It was a good vibe.”

Noting that she believes she’s always had the “Rasta energy” needed to bring off the track, Macka Diamond said the collaboration with Zamunda was the perfect opportunity to showcase her versatility to fans. She said Zamunda’s authenticity helped to bring out her best.

“Reggae and dancehall is one and I have experimented with both sides, so I knew I could do it. This song was like a blessing because I wanted to show off my talent and that’s what I did. Thanks to Zamunda because his authenticity was exactly the energy the track needed and based on the reaction so far I think people love the vibe we brought.”

The entertainer told Observer Online that the single, which was released on Valentine’s Day, could be the beginning of even bigger things for her and Zamunda. She said based on feedback, people want to see the pair perform the track live which could lead to bigger things.

“The song has been doing great so far and all on its own with little promotion. People are telling me to push it and the expectation for it is great, especially in Europe and other parts of the world,” she said.

“People are gonna wanna see me and Zamunda performing this song so I’m looking forward to that. Maybe he and I will have an I’ve Got You Babe tour. You never know.”

The entertainer, who celebrated her 54th birthday last month, said she’s also pushing her track, Still Got It, on Russian’s re-released Go Go Club/ Dirty Money Riddim. She said, although unauthorised, the track has been given the nod by fans and she’s still hoping it will get clearance from Rvssian.

“I did a song on the Rvssian riddim that has not been authorised by him but it’s really doing well. It has been authorised by the fans and the people, and I respect and love that. Hopefully when I drop the video for it, I can get some clearance,” she said, noting that while the newer dancehall acts did a phenomenal job with the rhythm, it could use the flair of a veteran.

“I think he (Rvssian) should consider even one veteran to carry the younger ones. Couple veterans woulda star up the thing although the young acts dem bad,” she said. “Mi just want him tell mi gwaan Macka because mi still got it.”