Singers Bunny (left) and Tabby Diamond of the trio The Mighty Diamonds(Photo: Joseph Wellington)

There are some new diamonds on the market; The Mighty Diamonds, that is.

One year after losing original members, Donald "Tabby" Shaw and Fitzroy "Bunny" Simpson, Lloyd "Judge Diamond" Ferguson has recruited replacements to "carry on the legacy".

Andrew Cassanova and Traci-Trae Baillie are the new members expected to go on a summer tour of Europe as well as record songs.

Ferguson told the Jamaica Observer that they were selected following auditions he conducted.

"We search an' search an' believe wi find di right people. I hear them an' know what they're capable of, an' wi looking forward to going out there again," he said.

Shaw, 67, and another man were killed by gunmen in front of his home in the Waterhouse community on March 29. Three days later, 71-year-old Simpson died, six years after suffering a massive stroke that effectively ended his career.

Simpson last performed with the Diamonds at Startime in St Andrew in January 2016. He was replaced by Capo Beniah, who has since parted ways with the group.

Cassanova has been lead singer for the Fab Five Band for several years and released songs as a solo act.

Baillie, wife of veteran drummer Junior "Bird" Baillie, has recorded a gospel album and done backing vocals for acts, including Papa San and Chevelle Franklin.

Last year, Ferguson announced his intention to carry on with The Mighty Diamonds which he, Bunny, and Tabby formed in Trench Town in 1969.

Tabby's unique tenor led the trio on classic songs like I Need A Roof, The Right Time, Africa, Pass The Kutchie, Heads of Government and Bodyguard.

Judge Diamond disclosed that he has had discussions with show promoters about returning to Europe, a fertile region for The Mighty Diamonds since the late 1970s.

Junior Baillie, keyboardist Earl Fitzsimmons, and bassist Trevor Thompson are expected to join the new-look Diamonds on tour.

One year after losing his friends of over 50 years, Judge Diamond said the pain lingers.

"Bwoy, mi don't even like discuss it. It drag mi down every time mi think 'bout it, but mi deal with it di best mi can," he shared.

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL Observer senior writer entertainment@jamaicaobserver.com

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at https://bit.ly/epaper-login

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Polls

Which long-term investment option is more attractive to you at the moment?