Before I even start this feature, I have to say that I am very, very proud of this gentleman that we are featuring as our Classic Man. He has been featured on MyTCN TV when we had our digital television stations, and that was when he had won his first Juno. Now (with his band The Movement of Ahryel) as: a Juno award winning singer, songwriter, producer and social activist, Kirk Diamond continues to spread messages of unity, inclusion and love through his music.
Recipient of the 2020 International Vigor Award and 6 x Juno Award Nominee, Kirk was recognized in 2022 for his achievement in music and culture by the City of Brampton. On Monday, February 28th, 2022, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, city councilors, city officials and community members gathered at Shields Park in Brampton, Ontario to witness the official renaming of the space to Kirk Diamond Park. He is now the only reggae artist to ever have a park named after him.
In addition, he was recognized as a distinguished alumni by the Dufferin Peel School Board and received The Impact Award for his rich influence in entertainment. On October 6th, 2023, Kirk released DREAD, with the lead Single “Reggae Party” that won him the 2023 Juno Award. The second single “Bring It Good” was featured in the Drama film “When Morning Comes.”
The last time that I interviewed Kirk Diamond, his name was just beginning to take hold in the minds of reggae lovers. I was excited to hear about his evolution, and to learn about what else reggae lovers had to look forward to. I thought I would start off with an ice breaker.
“If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?”
“Top of my head, I would say Bob Marley. He is relevant to Jamaicans both on the island, and off the island. His music is the soundtrack to our lives.”
“Can you remember the first time you heard reggae music? What was the song or artist, and how did it make you feel?”
“The first time I heard reggae music, I was in the UK. There was a song called, “On and On.” I remember vividly my mom and cousin dancing to that song. It brings back a lot of memories. That was the first time I heard music. It struck a chord.”
“Since that moment onwards, my entire life has been music. I didn’t like church, so I would sneak out of church and my cousin, and I would be under a plum tree singing. I was just trying a thing. When I came to Canada, I fought to hold on to my culture and music helped that.”
“A lot of people saw me fooling around, and singing, but a friend of mine, Bob the Builder said that I was the best that he had heard. Also, my cousin would hear me, he was older, and he would say, ‘Your music is going to play it on the radio.’ I pushed back against it, but he saw and heard something that I didn’t see.”
“Tell us about your early experiences performing. Where were your first gigs, and what were the crowds like?”
“My first performance was in Saskatoon. I moved there in 2010 for four years, and before that I had never performed. Someone was keeping a Jamaican themed party, because there were a lot of Jamaicans working there. I was in front of people I didn’t know, so I didn’t really feel nervous.
“Saskatoon was my journey to manhood. Before I went, I was a child playing a man. I was just doing things. When I came back, I was a different person. I was different: spiritually, physically, and musically. I was now a scholar; I was learning more about myself, and my music reflected that when I came back.”
“Jambana 2015 was my first real performance with an audience that recognized me. When they were introducing me, I was on the toilet. I felt everything move. I was so nervous. Part of me told me to tell someone to tell them I was not going to do it. People said it was a great performance, but I didn’t believe that.”
“Can you describe the challenges you faced as an aspiring reggae artist?”
“Always having to figure out where you fit in. I don’t play an instrument, and I am from the dancehall stable, but the reggae fraternity does not mix with modern day dancehall. When I won my Juno, it was a surprise. I had to maneuver that. I didn’t feel like I was getting the respect that I deserve from the reggae community. How do I maneuver in a space where I don’t think that I was respected?”
“Also, what was my goal? I wanted to inspire people to come up with solutions to life problems. I ended up telling my stories; when I do music, it is because I need to get it out of me. I had to be able to look at it. It is like therapy for me.”
“What do you think is the most important quality for a successful reggae artist? Is it talent, hard work, or something else?”
“Integrity! You can be talented, but you don’t work as hard as another artist. I know people who can out-sing me, and maybe even outperform me, but there are not as many people who can outwork me. I don’t discount my work. I won’t put out my album, if every song can’t be a single.”
“What legacy do you want to leave behind with your music?”
“We were here! All of us were here. Our generation was here at this time.
Kirk Diamond released his highly anticipated new single, “Deh Yah,” on October 15th, 2024. Produced by Triple B Productions, this track delves into Kirk’s personal journey as a Jamaican navigating foreign lands, while also highlighting how these new environments embrace Jamaican culture.
“Deh Yah” offers a heartfelt reflection on the intersection of identity and experience, capturing the nuances of adapting to new surroundings while remaining rooted in one’s heritage. The accompanying music video, directed by Shane Ramoutar of Frodillah Media Production Company, features vibrant scenes from both Jamaica and Toronto.
On October 23rd, 2024, you can also join Kirk Diamond, with his band The Movement of Ahryel, and Ammoye as they light up the Rose Mainstage with their dynamic blend of reggae, soul, and R&B.
“We finally get to put on display what we can do. We now have the entire stage in Rose Theatre, so expect everything that you know and love about Kirk Diamond, and a little extra.”
