It has been announced that the lead singer reggae group the Mighty Diamonds, Tabby Diamond, was shot and killed in a drive-by attack in Jamaica. Five people were hit with two dying in the St. Andrew South area.
The St. Andrew South Police are investigating whether a gang conflict led to Tuesday night's shooting on McKinley Crescent, which left two people dead including Tabby Diamond, the lead singer of the legendary trio the Mighty Diamonds. The musician, whose given name is Donald Shaw, and another man identified as Owen Beckford, were killed when a gunman opened fire on a group outside a shop. Two men and a woman were also shot.
Along with Fitzroy 'Bunny' Simpson and Lloyd 'Judge' Ferguson, they formed the Mighty group in 1969. The trio was then best known for classic songs such as ‘Pass the Kutchie’ ‘I Need a Roof’ and ‘Have Mercy’.
Birmingham’s Musical Youth's internationally-renowned multi award-winning Musical Youth’s cover of the song, ‘Pass the Dutchie,’ was a No. 10 hit in the U.S. In 2003, US star, Missy Elliot, released ‘Pass That Dutch.’
It, however, was not a cover of ‘Pass the Kouchie’, or ‘Pass the Dutchie’. By then, Dutch was a reference to a cigar used to make blunts.
Members of the reggae industry have expressed shock and grief at news of the killing of Tabby Diamond. Music producer Skatta Burrell, reggae artistes Bushman, Warrior King, and Mikey General were among those who posted pictures and videos of Diamond on Instagram while calling for an end to violence in Jamaica.
Senior Superintendent Kirk Ricketts, Commanding Officer for the St. Andrew South Police Division, said that rival factions from McKinley Crescent and Wint Road have been involved in a longstanding conflict. He said the preliminary assessment was that the shooting could be linked to the dispute.
A.K.A. Donald Shaw, he was 67.
