In a genre where tradition often rules, emerging artist Justice Kumari is carving out a fresh space for himself with a bold new single, “Diamonds and Pearls.” A rising talent in the Canadian reggae and dancehall scene, Justice blends rhythmic experimentation with emotional depth — and the result is nothing short of captivating.
Fresh off the heels of his earlier success with ‘Tek Time,’ the artist, whose real name is Tyler Lee, returns with a track that’s sonically richer and more globally appealing. “I started listening to more Soca, Latin, and uptempo dancehall,” Justice says. “I wanted the follow-up to ‘Tek Time’ to be bigger, better, and more appealing to an international audience.” The beat came together quickly in the studio — chords, drums, and inspiration flowing seamlessly. From there, the writing felt effortless, shaped by a personal love story unfolding in real life. “I leaned into the romantic, fun side of a relationship I was experiencing at the time.”
Produced by Justice himself and Young Le Chino, with a vibrant visual directed by RA Visuals, the music video brings the song’s title to life. It weaves together literal and symbolic images of beauty, elegance, and depth — showcasing shimmering necklaces and a radiant lead actress who embodies the spirit of “diamonds and pearls.” The video’s highlight? “Shooting on a boat with my friends, sister, cousins, and the lead actress — it was a moment out of my comfort zone and something truly amazing to experience.”
For Justice, the creative process is about constant evolution. “This is definitely different from my previous work,” he admits. “But that’s how it should be. As an artist, it’s important to expand genres, reach new audiences, innovate, and always make the next thing better or different than the last.”
That drive to innovate doesn’t mean he strays from his core purpose. Justice’s mission is clear: to bring joy. “If I can take away — even for 2 minutes — someone’s stress from sickness, grief, mental health, a breakup, or financial issues, then my work is complete.”
Behind the scenes, Justice is as committed as he is in front of the mic. “Voicing in the studio is one of my favorite parts,” he says. “I’m very particular with my vocal performance — I’ll do it over 1000 times until I get the right take.” That attention to detail was especially crucial with this release, which marked his first single in over a year. “I didn’t know if people still cared,” he admits. “But I was gladly surprised they do.”
Through the doubts and delays, Justice leaned on his support system — a tight-knit group of childhood friends, cousins, uncles, aunts, his ever-steady father, and his partner, who helps keep him grounded. “They’re a huge part of everything I do musically and creatively.”
So, what does ‘Diamonds and Pearls’ mean to him? “It’s what you call your loved one when they have everything you look for in a person,” he says. “The personality, the looks, the character, the respect — that’s what symbolizes ‘diamonds and pearls’ to me.”
This song, he explains, marks a new chapter. “I’m a mixed child, so by nature I’ll have to blend and mix genres. It’s literally in my blood. This is just the beginning of many pages of my music.”
Justice Kumari has no plans of slowing down. He’s set to headline Emancipation Day in Cambridge at Soper Park on July 26 and will hit the stage again in Calgary with Jah Messenjah Luciano for ReggaeFestica on August 29–30. More music is on the horizon, and if ‘Diamonds and Pearls’ is any indication, it’s going to shine even brighter.
