There has been uncertainty about the future of The Mighty Diamonds since the deaths of original members Tabby and Bunny two years ago. That confusion ended at Dancehall Thursdays in Kingston this week, where the new version of that trio were headliners.

The current line-up debuted at the popular weekly dance, which takes place at Rebel T headquarters.

A full house of patrons saw them as well as Beverley Kelso, an original member of The Wailers who celebrates her 76th birthday this week.

During The Mighty Diamonds’ 40-minute set, fans danced to standards like Keep on Moving, Right Time, Have Mercy, I Need A Roof, and Pass The Kutchie.

Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson, co-founder of the group, took the stage for the first time with lead singer Andrew Cassanova and Traci-Trae Baillie, who both looked confident as they belted out the classic songs.

Following their set, Judge spoke to theJamaica Observer about the show and plans for The Mighty Diamonds this year.

“Well, I like how things gwaan tonight, wi been working hard with rehearsals an’ dat pay off ‘cause di people love it. Wi have some shows out there, but wi waiting before wi say anything, an’ wi doing some new songs,” he said.

Tabby (real name Donald Shaw) and another man were killed by gunmen in front of his home in the Waterhouse community on March 29 2022. He was 67 years-old.

Three days later, 71-year-old Simpson died. He had suffered a massive stroke six years earlier that effectively ended his career.

Kelso was in fine form on Simmer Down and It Hurts to be Alone, songs that announced The Wailers at Studio One in the early 1960s.

After The Diamonds’ performance, a group of New York-based Jamaicans, including the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music and Caribbean American Society of New York, honoured the trio for their endurance.

Judge as well as the families of Tabby and Bunny were presented with plaques.

Awards were also presented to Kelso, Dancehall Thursdays founder Oneil Famous, veteran deejay Peter Metro, and DJ Talia, the evening’s emcee.

Leroy Sibbles followed The Mighty Diamonds on stage and maintained the momentum with Book of Rules, Sea of Love and Baby be True, songs from his days with The Heptones.