One of the classic songs in The Mighty Diamonds catalog, Africa evokes a longing for the Motherland. Singer Tony Curtis has covered the song as a tribute to Donald “Tabby Diamond” Shaw, the group’s lead vocalist who was killed in April. Curtis’ version is produced by Nuh Rush Records and is scheduled for release on May 27.
He said he has been a fan of The Mighty Diamonds since their days at Channel One studio during the mid-1970’s. That’s where they recorded songs like Africa, I Need A Roof and Right Time.
While touring Japan with The Diamonds in 1995, Curtis recalls telling Tabby that Africa was his favorite song by the group. He also told him of his plans to cover it.
“Him sey, ‘yeah man singer, is a nice song. Do yuh thing’,” Curtis said.
He never got around to recording the song until Tabby’s death. The singer was murdered near his Kingston home on April 29; he was 67.
Three days later, Fitzroy “Bunny Diamond” Simpson, another original member of the group, died in Kingston at age 70.
Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson is sole survivor of the group which formed in Trench Town, Kingston in 1969.
Tony Curtis is a member of harmony quartet L U S T which also includes Lukie D, Thriller U and Singing Melody. He also has a successful career on the strength of songs like Faith, High Grade and Do You Wanna.
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