Mighty Diamonds, Reggae Group Formed 52 Years Ago, Is Set To Receive Jamaica’s ‘Order Of Distinction’

The Jamaican harmony trio, Mighty Diamonds, is the longest group together in Reggae music history and their longevity will not go unnoticed as they are set to receive Jamaica’s Order of Distinction on National Heroes Day. Formed in 1969, the roots Reggae group composes of Donald “Tabby” Shaw, Fitzroy “Bunny” Simpson and Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson.

Tabby, Bunny, and Judge, all who have affectionately taken on the Diamond moniker as their last name, will be enlisted on the roll of awardees called on National Heroes Day in October 2021. They will be vested with the Order of Distinction (OD) Officer Class for their contribution to the development of Jamaican music.

Best known for their debut album Right Time, named after their breakout single, the trio has travelled the world, to perform the culture and to raise the Jamaican flag high. According to Judge in an interview with The Gleaner, the Mighty Diamonds have performed “every place on Earth where reggae music is played.”

“We go to Japan at least a dozen times. We have performed in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, you name it. Perhaps the only places that we don’t go are Alaska and China,” Judge stated.

Though Bunny Diamond has not been active on tour with the group due to a stroke he suffered five years ago, he still remains very much a part of the group. Judge, who started out as the lead singer of the group is now the main songwriter, having left the vocalizing to Tabby. Throughout life’s challenges, the group remained a brotherhood united by their love for Reggae and music.

Copeland Forbes, the group’s first manager expressed to the Gleaner that The Mighty Diamonds were more than deserving of such award.

“They are my boys, and it couldn’t have happened to a worthier trio. I am ecstatic that the Government has seen it fit to give the Diamonds this honour. I have so many great stories about them, but you can all read about it in my book, which is finally finished.”

As aptly declared by Judge, “It feels good. It is well-deserving.”