Marigot, Dominica – January 4, 2024
In the lead-up to Carnival 2024, the talented Dominican Calypsonian, Black Diamond, takes center stage with his latest piece, “No Bull.” In an exclusive interview with Nate Media, Black Diamond delves into his musical journey, challenges, and the inspiration behind his latest creation.
Early Years and Family Influence: Black Diamond traces the roots of his musical talent to his family. Growing up in a household where gospel songs resonated, he fondly remembers singing with his sister and being inspired by his guitarist father. His family’s musicality, coupled with gospel influences, laid the foundation for his journey into the world of Calypso.
Overcoming Challenges: The Calypsonian opens up about an ongoing challenge – persistent spine pain. Undeterred, Black Diamond confronts the daily struggle with resilience, expressing confidence that he will overcome it entirely.
Entering the Big Stage: Reflecting on his first experiences on the big stage, Black Diamond shares that while there was some nervousness, the desire to try something new and the influence of his father’s training made it a somewhat natural progression. His father played a pivotal role, imparting knowledge on hitting notes, exploring different minors, and infusing twists into his songs.
Journey and Judges’ Decisions: Black Diamond candidly evaluates his journey in Calypso, expressing some disappointment in past judges’ decisions. He believes he had a chance to win in his first year but acknowledges a lack of experience in capitalizing on the opportunity. Despite making the finals three times between 2013 and 2019, he felt the judges might have missed something during those years.
“No Bull” – A Call for Transparency: His latest piece, “No Bull,” addresses instances that may be shrouded in secrecy, calling for transparency and an end to deception. The song seeks to unveil hidden deals and issues, advocating for openness and honesty – “no bullshit.” Black Diamond expresses optimism that as the season progresses, the song will gain traction, buoyed by positive feedback from early listeners.
Future Aspirations: As Black Diamond re-enters the arena after a hiatus, he looks forward to making it all the way. While recognizing the judges’ subjective views, he remains hopeful and aims for success in his comeback season.
Preserving Calypso Culture: In response to a question about improving Calypso music quality, Black Diamond emphasizes the importance of staying true to the Calypso culture. He believes that incorporating other elements is acceptable as long as the fundamental essence of Calypso is maintained. Embracing the vintage style and honoring the tradition ensures the survival of Calypso, a cultural heritage rooted in history.
Reflecting on Past Performances: Black Diamond reminisces about his first song, “Pit Toilet,” performed in the semifinals. Despite a missed opportunity to enter the finals due to a fopa, he views it as a learning experience and part of his growth as a Calypsonian.
With “No Bull” already making waves, Black Diamond invites fans and enthusiasts to download and stream the song, available at distrokid.com/hyperfollow/blackdiamond11/no-bull.
The Carnival 2024 season is set to be an electrifying journey, and Black Diamond’s “No Bull” adds a distinctive voice to the vibrant musical landscape of Dominica.
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