August 5th,6th,7th 2011
Black Oak Ranch Laytonville, Ca.
Showing posts with label courier internet radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label courier internet radio. Show all posts
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
AFROSOLO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS A GLOBAL CONCERT FOR PEACE, MAY 7
AfroSolo Concerts proudly presents Ivory Coast 762 Fulton Street San Francisco
FELY’s new album “Maturite” draws from her life experiences, as well as, folk wisdom. It embodies the new generation of artists who remain attached to their African heritage, while at the same time maintain a resolutely modern outlook on the world.
“We are very excited to present FELY,” said Thomas Robert Simpson, AfroSolo’s founder and executive director. “We are especially delighted that the theme of the concert is peace, in view of the difficulties that the Ivory Coast
FELY’s music speaks a universal language that can be felt, with sweetness, simplicity and a quality that melts away all genre boundaries.
Outstanding master musicians assembled from across Africa, Europe, Latin America and the U.S will accompany FELY. They create a cocktail of world fusion that truly translates her music style, yet stays true to her traditional African roots. FELY has performed previously with AfroSolo and has headlined at large scale music festivals such as Reggae on the River and the Monterey Bay Reggaefest.
The rhythms throughout float easily across the CD. The beautiful cover and inside artwork designed by FELY reflect her multi talents.“Goba,” the album’s opener, immediately draws you into her world, hinting at pop and blues melded with African roots in a contemporary sound. “Blue Topaz," written by FELY’s co-producer, Jerry Martin, (sung in English) speaks of centuries of the draining of the resources of the African continent, such as gold and diamonds, to bring wealth to other countries. “Maturite” represents West African polyrhythms in dialogue with the world. For information, visit www.felymusic.com.
FELY will be joined by two special guests: acclaimed Humboldt County roots rock reggae artist, JADE STEEL and acclaimed Caribbean jazz singer/guitarist PAULACLAUDINE HUBSON COARD.
Who: West African singer FELY featuring guest Artists JADE STEEL and PAULACLAUDINE HUBSON COARD
When: Saturday May 7, 8 p.m.
Where: Buriel Clay Theatre 762 Fulton St.
Tickets: $15 - $20 Sliding Scale
Visit www.afrosolo.org or call (415) 771-2376 for tickets or more information.
Founded in 1993, AfroSolo Theatre Company nurtures, promotes, and presents the experiences of African Americans and those from the African Diaspora through solo performances, and the visual and literary arts. Through these arts, people of all ethnicities are brought together to explore and share the human spirit that binds us all. Funding for the AfroSolo Theatre Company is made possible in part through the support of the African American Art & Culture Complex, LEF Foundation, and San Francisco
Respectfully yours,
Thomas Robert Simpson
Artistic Director
www.afrosolo.org
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sherieta
Sherieta is an artiste out of Jamaica with an impressive list of accomplishments.
As a writer, she has written lyrics for several well-known acts such as Etana (Warrior Love), Luciano (No Evil) and a few songs for Jah Cure including 'Freedom' and the hit song, 'You'll Never Find'. She has also worked with internationally renowned reggae singer, Taurus Riley as a back-up vocalist.Recently, she decided to begin her own journey in the music industry and has already been receiving a good amount of support for her music both locally and internationally. She has managed to establish successful relationships with top class producers; Dean Fraser, Mickey Bennett, Chris Birch and Donovan Germaine which has so far led to the release of three singles; 'Lies', 'In the name of your Love' and 'Reggae is Life'. Most recently, she released another single 'Come Find Me', also produced by Donovan Germaine.
'Reggae is Life' and her most recent single 'Best Friend now are
playing on Big Splif 420 Reggae.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
SISTER CAROL EMBARKS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH TOUR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SISTER CAROL EMBARKS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH TOUR
Grammy nominated reggae artist Sister Carol continues her 2011 International Women’s Month Tour with the Yellow Wall Dub Squad. The socially and politically conscious singer/DJ kicked off her U.S. tour at the Ashkenaz Music and Dance Center March 11 in Berkeley, CA, as a fundraiser for renowned Yellow Wall Dub Squad bassist Louis “Chellem” Roxburgh, who passed away in Jamaica earlier this year. The tour wraps up at Club Caribbean in New Orleans, April 3. Sister Carol is currently celebrating her 30th anniversary as a major player in the music industry. Pieces from “Black Cinderella” clothing line will be available for purchase.
Management: Robert Oyugi
Ujama Designs LLC
1107 12th St #517
Boulder, CO 80302
Office:303-415-1352
Fax:1-866-249-9797
www.ujamadesigns.com
SISTER CAROL 2011 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH TOUR
Wed Mar 23: The Mangy Moose Saloon. West McCollister Dr.Teton Village, WY.
Thur Mar 24: Bar Deluxe 668 S State St. Salt Lake City, UT
Fri Mar 25: Bear Creek Saloon 475 Lewis St Pagosa Springs, CO
Sat March 26: Quixotes 2151 Lawrence Street, Denver. CO
Sun Mar 27: The Brick House1346 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO
Tue Mar 29: Crosstown Station 1522 McGee Street Kansas City, MO
Wed Mar 30: 2720 Cherokee 2720 Cherokee St Louis, Missouri
Fri Apr1: Caribbean Hut 1316 Antioch Pike. Nashville, TN
Sat Apr 2: Flamingo Cantina: 515 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Sun Apr 3: Club Caribbean 2443 Bayou Rd, New Orleans, Louisiana
SISTER CAROL BIO
Sister Carol East, aka Mother Culture aka Black Cinderella, was born Carol Theresa East on January 15, 1959 in Kingston, Jamaica. Her odyssey began in the ghetto of Denham Town, Kingston in the midst of the exploding Jamaican music scene; and she has grown to become one of Jamaica’s top entertainers and a global icon.
Sister Carol’s formative years were spent at St Anne’s Primary School and Mico-Practicing All-Age School. Her father, Howard East, was a senior engineer who dedicated his life to his career at Radio Jamaica Rediffusion, the number one radio station during that time. He was also a very important part of the Studio One and Treasure Isle sound. He regularly participated in sessions with the legendary Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. These early influences not only left an indelible mark on Sister Carol’s heart but also drew her closer to the infusion of the music industry.
At the age of 14, Sister Carol’s family immigrated to Brooklyn, NY in 1973. The thriving dancehall scene of New York City led this young rising star to a path that would acknowledge her talents with multiple awards, television appearances, sold out concerts and movies.
Following in the footsteps of her mentor and friend, DJ Brigadier Jerry, her musical career began after winning talent contests in both Kingston and New York. Sister Carol was offered an opening slot for one of Jamaica’s finest vocal trios, The Mediations who had been the harmony backup vocals for Bob Marley.
This opportunity opened the door for her to record her first two records “Liberation for Africa” on the Serious Gold Label 1983 and “Black Cinderella” on Jah Life Label 1984, bringing her greatest talents, personality and vibe to a wider audience establishing herself firmly in the dancehall/DJ movement. During this time, she dominated the music scene winning the coveted “Best Female DJ” for five consecutive years from 1983 – 1987. With these accolades behind her, Sister Carol established her own Black Cinderella record label in 1989.
In the midst of her success as an artist, Sister Carol continued to pursue an education, attending City College of New York, where she obtained a B.Sc. degree in education in 1984. A true testament of her resilient spirit and energy spans nearly three decades in a male dominated industry, Sister Carol is a trailblazer for women in reggae. Her music carries a social message for people all over the world. Her message is rich with cultural heritage and infused with a vital social consciousness that permeates every aspect of life in the new millennium. (Hence her title, “Mother Culture”).
From east coast to west coast, Sister Carol reigns as the Queen of Reggae.
Her prolific music career includes more than 12 albums/CDs, a Grammy nomination for “Best Reggae Album” in 1997, “Most Outstanding Reggae Artist” two consecutive years (1997 and 1998) “Queen of Reggae” in 2000 in Detroit Michigan, a New York City Council Proclamation celebrating Jamaica’s 39th year of independence and honoring Jamaicans in New York for outstanding cultural contribution to life in the city of New York in 2001, Institute of Caribbean Studies Wash. DC’s Cultural Heritage Award for Excellence in Music” in 2004 and a Lifetime Achievement recognition in 2008 in Columbus, Ohio, to name a few.
A showcase of Sister Carol’s greatest achievements includes the 2001 release of “All I Have Is Love"/Tribute To Studio One on the Easy Star/Black Cinderella/Napticorn label and recording her first live CD "Direct Hit" for release on the Catapult/Black Cinderella label.
In 2003 Sister Carol released "Empressive" CD on the "Black Cinderella label” which was also released in France on the m10 label the following year. In 2004- 2005 she toured France, New Caledonia, West Africa and U.S. promoting “Empressive. In 2006 she celebrated her “Silver Jubilee” as a solo artist releasing a new CD/DVD "1Derful Words” on the Black Cinderella label. In 2007 she recorded a single titled "Dancing Shoes" with Bunny Wailer a former band member of Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Sister Carol has had numerous interviews in mainstream media, appearing twice on NBC’s David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, New York at Nite with Clint Holmes WORT.V., VH1 with Nile Rodgers, Good Morning America with Bryant Gumbel as well as earning praises in the print media such as Billboard, The Village Voice and many others.
She was the familiar voice behind NBCTV Night Music with Jools Holland and David Sanborn as the MC. In 1999 Tuff Gong, the label started by reggae icon Bob Marley, released Sister Carol’s “Isis the Original Womb-man.”
Beyond her music career, Sister Carol burst onto the silver screen in 1986 in her first feature film “Something Wild” with Melaine Griffths and Jeff Daniels, followed by “Married to the Mob” with Michelle Pfeiffer, Dean Sockwell and Matthew Modine in 1988 and most recently Oscar nominated “Rachel Getting Married,” with Anne Hathaway. All three movies directed by the awarding director Jonathan Demme.
Along with an amazing professional career, Sister Carol’s personal life stands firm. She has been married for more than two decades and is a dedicated mother of four and a dotting grandmother of six-- her true pride and joy.
On the horizon, Sister Carol continues her entrepreneurial spirit with her “Black Cinderella” clothing line with a CD produced by Glen Adams of Hippie Boys and Wailers fame and a duet CD of collaboration with many other artists in the works for release soon. Sister Carol also appears in the soon to be released Bob Marley documentary “Stay With the Rhythm.” Sister Carol is a Warrior Queen and a true Renaissance woman who continues to tour the world and teach her message in her musical classrooms – The majestic vibrations continue. For more information on this dynamic artist, visit www.sistercarol.com.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Rocky Dawuni Nominated for NAACP Image Award
Image by Anna Jarske via Flickr
Story by Shelah Moody
Photos by Rachel Samuel
Known for his conscious lyrics, contagious rhythms and syncopated reggae vocals, Rocky Dawuni has been called the Bob Marley of Ghana.
Recently, the African artist made history by being nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding World Music Album for his 2010 CD, “Hymns for the Rebel Soul.”
The 42nd NAACP Image Awards will be held on March 4th and televised on the FOX channel. Dawuni, who currently lives in Los Angeles, shares the Outstanding World Music Album nomination with luminaries such as Angelique Kidjo (“Oyo”), Herbie Hancock (“The Imagine Project”). the Bay Area’s own Michael Franti (“The Sound of Sunshine”) and Bobby McFerrin (“VOCAbularies”).
Dawuni wrote and parts of “Hymns for a Rebel Soul,” in various parts of the world including Israel and Finland. Since the release of “Hymns for the Rebel Soul,” Dawuni has been quite busy. He has toured Germany, Austria and Canada. Two songs from the “Hymns….” “Download the Revolution” and “African Reggae Fever” were featured on the “FIFA WORLD CUP” and “FIFA SOCCER 2010” video games, which have sold millions worldwide. Last year, the singer/songwriter toured Germany, Austria and Canada, sharing the stage with influential leaders such as Deepak Chopra.
Earlier this year, Dawuni was invited to perform at the Vatican sponsored Journey of the Itinerary of the Soul festival in Rome, Italy. This month, he will appear in concert at Accra Stadium in Ghana.
Dawuni was born on a military base in Accra, Ghana, a politically charged environment where he developed his global sensibilities. Dawuni was consistently exposed to socially conscious reggae and Afro Beat music. Dawuni’s late father, Koyatu, was a village chief as well as a member of the Ghanaian military.
Throughout his career, Dawuni has collaborated with Stevie Wonder, (who has also lived in Ghana) and is one of Dawuni’s biggest supporters.
I caught up with Dawuni for an extended phone interview.
Shelah Moody: I know that you’ve been working hard, performing regularly in southern California. and touring the world. How does it feel to be nominated for an NAACP Image Award?
Rocky Dawuni: When there is recognition by an organization like the NAACP, what it does is, it inspires me more to keep working harder. At the same time, it’s also a validation that all of my years of hard work are being noticed. All of the artists I was nominated with—I really respect and I also grew up as a fan of their music. It’s really an honor to be nominated in their company. It’s really something to celebrate and the Ghanaian people and the Ghanaian media are very excited and everybody has been rooting for me. They’re like, ‘you have to win!” But for me, being nominated is already winning.
SM: What is it about your music that touches people?
RD: Well, from the onset, I have always seen music as one of the highest means of communication. Also, I have always strived to use my music as a means to spread awareness of God; awareness of consciousness. I’ve also tried to use it as a means to spread the message of peace and togetherness among people. Around the age of five, I felt I had that gift of communication through music. I gravitated to these sounds that were very prominent in the military barracks. At the same time I felt that I was going to use the music to transform lives either through drawing attention to social issues or me personally using it to create a platform where I can personally be involved in people’s lives and help them create a transformation in their lives. As much as it may sound very ambitious, I’ve always worked very hard to walk the talk whenever the opportunity provides itself.
SM: What tribe are you from and what does your sir name, “Dawuni” mean?
RD: Dawuni means ‘son of God,’ actually. My tribe is called Konkomba from the northern region of Ghana. I’ve been fortunate to be one of the northern artists from Ghana who has had the chance to gain prominence through music. Now, there is a whole movement of northern artists who are doing very well in Ghana.
SM: You have a song on “Hymns for a Rebel Soul” called “Extraordinary Woman.” I know that three extraordinary women in your life are your mother, AsibiDawuni, your wife, Cary and your daughter, Safiyah. What inspired you to write “Extraordinary Woman?”
RD: When you grow up in a place like Africa and you work a lot around issues that have to do with health and education, women’s issues also become a cornerstone of your work. Being from the northern part of Ghana, I have always tried to use my position to bring attention to the need for education for young girls. A lot of time, because of issues of poverty and culture, women sometimes get a little bit left behind when it comes to issues of education. I felt that as an artist, this is one area where I could totally make a difference. I’ve been advocating for that for a while. Also, there are issues to do with upliftment and empowerment of women in our communities in Africa. ‘Extraordinary Woman’ is a love song, but at the same time, it pays homage to womanhood and what womanhood has done for not only me, but for the whole world. The world is what it is because of women. Women perpetuate creation. There needs to be that recognition and respect of that. You only need to turn on the TV new s to see so many places where women’s rights are being violated. Wherever there is war, places like the Congo and Afghanistan, women suffer more. I feel that I am part of a generation that is trying very hard to change the stereotypes and traditional views of how women are treated. Hopefully, by the next generation, we will realize that when we empower women, we empower the world. Most of the people who have been influential in my career have been women, and this song is also about acknowledging their contributions and support for me throughout the years.
Incidentally, portion of “Hymns for a Rebel Soul” will benefit Africa Live!, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve, restore, and reinvigorate the Ghanaian music scene, creating public and industry awareness for its rich history and value, and commercial opportunities for artists and the community.
For more information on Rocky Dawuni and “Hymns for a Rebel Soul,” go to www.rockydawuni.com and www.naacpimageawards.net/42/nominees-and-honorees/recording/.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
On the Street with Wayne Wonder and Tanya Stephens By Shelah Moody
Nov. 26, 2010, the day after Thanksgiving, may have been just another black Friday to Christmas shoppers, but it will go down in history as one of the hottest nights in the Bay Area for reggae fans, with reggae dancehall stars Wayne Wonder, Mega Banton and Tanya Stephens performing in Berkeley and San Francisco
At the Shattuck Down Low in Berkeley , Jamaica
Wonder’s voice is pure ear candy; his mellifluous tenor was shining through even though he performed his string of hits: “No Letting Go,” “Bounce Along,” “The Saddest Day” and “Anything Goes” to pre-recorded tracks provided by DJ Babyface of King Addies Sound System.
Dancehall DJ Mega Banton, a star in his own right, opened for Wonder and performed Buju Banton’s part on Wonder’s 1990s dancehall cover of Delroy Wilson’s “Movie Star.”
“It’s always a pleasure, coming back and singing for people in the Bay Area,” said Wonder, who is best known for his smooth, romantic vocals. “They have been my core support over the years.”
At the height of his popularity soon after the release of “No Holding Back,
which elevated Wonder to pop star status, Wonder appeared on “Saturday Night Live” with Sean Paul and performed at the Wango Tango pop festival at the Rosebowl stadium in Pasadena, CA on the bill with artists such as Nelly, Sting, Carlos Santana and Christina Aguilera in 2003. Wonder, who grew up in the age of vinyl and radio, has now made the successful transition to iTunes and Internet downloads.
which elevated Wonder to pop star status, Wonder appeared on “Saturday Night Live” with Sean Paul and performed at the Wango Tango pop festival at the Rosebowl stadium in Pasadena, CA on the bill with artists such as Nelly, Sting, Carlos Santana and Christina Aguilera in 2003. Wonder, who grew up in the age of vinyl and radio, has now made the successful transition to iTunes and Internet downloads.
At the time of our interview, Wonder’s jazzy/sexy/cool dancehall track “If I Ever” was number six on Reggae iTunes. Wonder has left VP Records, which produced many of his albums including the Grammy nominated “No Letting Go” (2002). He is currently recording on his independent label Singso, and says that working independently gives him more artistic freedom.
“I’m a free agent right now, so I’m just doing my thing,” said Wonder. “I’m flying out to Toronto
Always a dapper king, Wonder took the stage wearing Versace and Gucci. Carmelita Harris, host of TV shows for Irievision and Streetwise Radio, topped off his black ensemble when she presented him with a collectable San Francisco Giants World Series Champions hat after the show.
Wonder is still a strong supporter of his longtime friend and collaborator, Buju Banton, who is currently out on bail and awaiting retrial in February (on federal drugs charges relating to cocaine). Wonder is scheduled to perform with Buju Banton in his first concert in more than a year. “Buju Banton & Friends: Before the Dawn” concert, which will also feature Stephen Marley, Shaggy, Gramps Morgan and Freddie McGregor, will be held January 16, 2011, at Bayfront Park Amphitheater in Miami, FL. (www.BUJULIVE.com).
“I just pray for him right now, for a positive outcome,” said Wonder. “That’s all we can hope for.”
Wonder, who will be spending his Christmas performing in Japan
While Wayne Wonder’s show was going on in Berkeley , dancehall queen Tanya Stephens was doing her thing at 1015 Folsom Street nightclub in San Francisco
Streetwise Radio (and Mega Banton, who later joined her on stage ) raced across the bridge to catch Stephens’ set.
A singer/songwriter/DJ known for her melodic, syncopated stories, many of which deal with the politics of romantic relationships and include sexual innuendos, Stephenshad already gone through her catalog of dancehall hits: “Goggle,” “Big Ninja Bike,” “Good Ride,” “You Nuh Ready Yet,” “Boom Wuk,” “Can’t Breathe,” “It’s a Pity,” “These Streets” when we arrived. As more people arrived, Stephens (who sang to pre-recorded tracks) actually performed the same tracks again for those who missed their favorite songs and even took requests from the audience.
Always delivering more that’s expected Stephens joined her fans on the dance floor, busting a few moves, signing autographs and posing for photos after the show.
“I really enjoyed being here,” said Stephens. “I feel so at home when I come (to the Bay Area); I feel like I’m among kindred spirits. I feel like it’s not a show, it’s more like me hanging out and being myself and being comfortable.”
Stephens loves her job and says that meeting new people is the best part. She loves to laugh, share ideas and an occasional cocktail. Stephens admits that her 16-year-old daughter looks at her like she’s from another planet when she watches her dance, but she does not care. Stephens once owned a bar in Ocho Rios , Jamaica
During our interview, Stephens also reflected on the passing of reggae crooner Gregory Isaacs this year.
“I knew Gregory’s story but I just wanted him to live forever,” said Stephens, who also admires Smokey Robinson and covered his composition “Tracks of My Tears.” .
“I love Gregory. I’ve never met another artist who I’ve been around and have just been dumbstruck. As long as I knew him, I never said a sentence to him. When I perform, I do a little bit of ‘Night Nurse,’ but my all time favorite Gregory Isaacs song is ‘Love is Overdue.’ I grew up loving it. Nobody can do it like Gregory. He cannot be replaced. We just have to take the things that we love and immortalize them and keep them. He was such a good spirit and I’ll always keep his energy with me. ”
Stephens, who releases her music through her independent label, Tarantula Records, currently has an album out called “Infallible,” which is free to download by anyone who wants it. (www.bymriddim.com).
“People have supported me for decades, and “Infallible” is my gift to my fans,” said Stephens. “There are many very talented people out there; Jamaica Caribbean and getting different sounds. I’m even on a Zouk beat. I love Zouk, it’s so sexy and so raunchy that you just want to bump and grind. I’m always working and I always have stuff to share; the best is yet to come.”
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Sunday, August 22, 2010
THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS TO PERFORM AT YOSHI’S NIGHTCLUB, 09/02
THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS TO PERFORM AT YOSHI’S NIGHTCLUB, 09/02
The Mighty Diamonds, Jamaica ’s premiere harmony trio, will make their debut at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in San Francisco
Who: The Mighty Diamonds
When: Thursday, Sept. 2, 10:30 p.m.
Where: Yoshi’s Jazz Club, 1330 Fillmore St San Francisco
Tickets: $16/Adv, $22, Door, (415) 655-5600
For more information, check out the group’s website: www.themightydiamonds.net.
For interviews, contact Shelah Moody, publicist, at (415) 577-4445 or email smoodytone@aol.com.
Mighty Diamonds Bio
As the Hope Diamond http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_Diamond is a American national treasure, the Mighty Diamonds are Jamaican national treasures.
Every reggae fan has at least one favorite song by the Mighty Diamonds:
"Pass the Kutchie," "Right Time," "Master Plan" “Tamarind Farm,” and the list goes on. Formed in Trench Town , 1969, Jamaica
celebrating 40 years of making music, from the most militant roots reggae to
the sweetest lover's rock.
The Mighty Diamonds--Fitzroy, "Bunny" Simpson, Donald "Tabby" Shaw and Lloyd "Judge" Ferguson
warriors have risen from the poverty and despair of inner city Kingston
become learned reggae ambassadors who have traveled throughout Europe , the
mental slavery.
“Right Time,” The Mighty Diamonds’ breakthrough album on the Channel One label, elevated the group to rock star status in 1975. Produced by Joseph Hoo Kim, "Right Time" brought together the Jamaican musical elite such as Sly and Robby (drum and bass) and Ancel Collins (keyboards) generated hits such as "Africa," "Have Mercy" "Natural Natty," "Them Never Love Poor Marcus" and the reggae party album, "Pass the
Kutchie," which has been sampled by everyone from Lauryn Hill to Michael
Franti to Wyclef Jean.
With wisdom and experience behind them, not to mention more albums and
singles than they can count, the Mighty Diamonds are still selling out
venues around the world. Led by Tabby's ebullient tenor, their live
show is a journey through the African Diaspora from gospel to R&B to roots reggae and dancehall, including covers of songs by the Stylistics ("Country Living") Bob Marley, ("Get Up, Stand Up") Curtis Mayfield ("It's All Right to Have a Good Time") Jester Hairston ("Amen") and Alton Ellis ("Still in Love").
The Mighty Diamonds have appeared on a number of compilations including "Is it Rolling Bob? A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan" (Sanctuary, 2004), "Old to the New" A Steely & Clevie Tribute to Joe Gibbs Classics" (VP, 2002) and "Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates The Grateful Dead ("Pow Wow, 1996). During the Christmas season, the Diamonds' lively version of "Frosty the Snowman" (Ras Records) is a hit with young and old. The Mighty Diamonds are currently promoting their latest CD, "Thugs in
the Street," produced on their independent label, Street Corner Music.
In honor more than 40 years together as a vocal trio, the Mighty Diamonds received the Ragga Muffins Festival Award of Recognition on Feb. 21.
Following their performance at the sold out 29th annual Ragga Muffins reggae festival at Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, CA, Fitzroy “Bunny” Simpson, Donald “Tabby” Shaw and Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson were presented with trophies on behalf on the festival and Moss Jacobs Presents.
“The blessings are there, and we are here to share them; that’s the most important thing,” said Shaw, who has been the Mighty Diamonds’ lead vocalist since he was a teenager.
In November, 2009, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke recognized the Mighty Diamonds with a Congressional Proclamation for their 40 years of hits and contributions to the music industry, when TSO Productions and the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music held their 5th annual Reggae Culture Salute at Nazareth High School Performance Center, Brooklyn , NY
Also in November of 2009, the Diamonds released a remake of one of their first hits, “Country Living” (originally done by the Stylistics) produced by the England based Simba on his Small Storm label and distributed by the High Times label. The recording features Shaw’s nephew, Wilburn “Squidly” Cole (drums) and Winston “Bo Pee” Bowen (guitar).
The Mighty Diamonds have also released their latest single, "Special Lady," a remake of Ray, Goodman and Brown’s 1980’s ballad, on their independent label, Street Corner Music in 2009.
In 2006, following their performance at Reggae Sunsplash in Ocho Rios, the Diamonds received a prestigious national award from former prime minister Portia Simpson Miller for their artistic contribution to Jamaican culture.
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