Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange has condemned the “senseless” killing of Mighty Diamonds lead singer, Donald ‘Tabby’ Shaw, who was gunned down in McKinley Crescent in the Waterhouse area of St. Andrew last evening (March 29).

“The news about Tabby’s death has left me in shock. I have had a special and close relationship with the Mighty Diamonds over the years,” said Grange in a statement today (March 30).

“I feel the pain of the other two Diamonds, ‘Bunny’ and ‘Judge’, who I know will never get over the loss of Tabby. I pray for strength for them always.”

The culture minister recalled the lasting impact of Tabby’s soul-filled performance at the 1982 Reggae Sunsplash, which showcased his skills as a master vocalist. She noted that the live recording of the event was later made into an album, that received a Grammy nod.

Donald Shaw, otherwise known as Tabby, was the lead vocalist for the Mighty Diamonds, a group that he formed in 1969 along with Fitzroy ‘Bunny’ Simpson and Lloyd ‘Judge’ Ferguson. All three were schoolmates who had previously named their group The Limelights.

The Mighty Diamonds were highly regarded for their smooth harmonies and known for their stage choreography.

The group also enjoyed great international success collaborating with famed producer, Gussie Clarke, on the hit, Pass de Kutchie. The song was later covered by the group Musical Youth in the United Kingdom under the name Pass the Dutchie.

Grange concluded: “Tabby’s killing is as senseless as it is tragic and leaves an awful void in the Jamaican music landscape. I express my sincerest condolences to Tabby’s family members, relatives, friends, and associates and to the entire entertainment fraternity.”