When Rastafari and roots-reggae came into his life in the 1990s, one of the groups that inspired Binghi Blaze were The Mighty Diamonds. On April 5, the singer was part of a show that saluted the legendary trio’s legacy.

He performed at Tribute To The Mighty Diamonds, an event that took place at Swift River Center in Rosedale, New York. It was promoted by the Caribbean American Society Of New York (CASONY).

“The vibe was high, Mighty Diamonds fans came out! Papa Michigan is a legend, I was glad to share the stage with him for a second time,” said Binghi Blaze, who did two songs.

J Written, Marcia Davis, Cherry Rock, Barry Brathwaithe and Alfray Music were the other artistes on Tribute To The Mighty Diamonds. They were backed by LeRoy Graham and True Tribute Band, and Derrick Barnett and the Statement Band.

While he enjoys recording, Binghi Blaze says nothing beats performing on stage.

“Live shows bring a more realistic feeling to roots music. Live and direct to the heart of the people brings a true frequency to complement the word, sound and power,” he noted.

The South Florida-based Binghi Blaze is from Manchester. He grew up on the songs of roots giants like The Mighty Diamonds, whose original members are Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson, Fitzroy “Bunny” Simpson and Donald “Tabby” Shaw.

He points to The Right Time and Them Never Love Poor Marcus as his favourite songs by the group, which formed in Trench Town, Kingston in 1969.

Lead singer “Tabby Diamond” was killed in front of his home in Waterhouse, Kingston on March 29 2022. He was 67.

Three days later, “Bunny Diamond” died in Kingston at age 70. He had been in ill health since suffering a stroke in 2015.

– Howard Campbell