Diamanta von Lieshdek of KiT (Kuenta i Tambu)
Born on the sunny island Aruba, Diamanta is a multi talented artist who most enjoys using her artistry to be a positive force for good in the world. At age 3, little miss D was giving self taught performances at home which later escalated to performing for anyone who would watch. Today, if she’s not tearing up a stage doing splits at the dj booth while hitting rapid high notes, she’s singing and dancing in her own unique live act “ISLAND AF”. Her flowing uplifting energy, power vocals and siren presence come together in an experience the audience rarely forgets. As front woman of KiT (Kuenta I Tambu), she has supported acts like Major Lazer, Jack U, Crystal Fighters and The Dub Pistols. Independently she’s guest performed for artists and dj’s like Latin Grammy Award winner Hildward Croes, Lowlands Band, Kyteman, Dj Tommi, Kubus, and many more. She is always in demand for her out of the box approach to creating emotive musical encounters.
Artist Q&A
How are you and your community being impacted by the COVID 19 time period?
Our band, Kuenta i Tambu, was scheduled to tour in England, France, Germany and Holland among other places before the pandemic hit. With the cancellation of these gigs, we have no income and it's difficult for us to move our work online, because “virtual reality” does not match what we do. Not only is there very little money to be earned from streaming music, but our strength is on the stage in communion with our audiences. Holland is doing better than other countries in terms of the response from the government so there is some income and business support. It is not easy for artists to access though. Also in our country, racism is a problem but the government is responsive to protests.
What are ways artists and/or community members are responding in a positive way to crisis?
We are engaging in self discovery and healing and creating more than ever before. We have time and there is the opportunity to share our music with the world online to spread hope and joy and enhance our visibility so that when things open up again, we are positioned well to restart our concert bookings.
What is one cultural teaching you would like to share to help people through this time and in visioning for the future?
Those who are willing to creatively adapt and jump out of their comfort zones will survive in this new reality. Also it is important to eat well! (Her recipes for Vegan Oxtail Stew and Frozen Virgin Pina Colada are below)
Enjoy this performance of Kuenta i Tambu’s popular song, Jack Hammer:
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