Beloved Brooklyn-based Whatz Up New York television and Sound Chat radio host H-Diggy, born David Duncan, passed away last week after battling cancer.
Known for his booming voice and unmistakable presence at community events, the dreadlocked H-Diggy, a Jamaican-American, was a staple of New York’s reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop scenes for decades. Duncan carved out a niche as one of the city’s most recognizable ambassadors of Caribbean culture, documenting the West Indian Day Parade, major concerts, political debates, and cultural milestones with equal enthusiasm, ensuring that Caribbean voices were heard.
As the face of Whatz Up New York TV for many years, he interviewed an impressive cross-section of New York and Jamaican political heavyweights, including former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Jamaican leaders such as Edward Seaga, Bruce Golding, Portia Simpson Miller, and P.J. Patterson.
News of his passing triggered heartfelt condolences across social media from colleagues in the Caribbean media fraternity, who credit him with helping to document and amplify Caribbean-American stories. Socialite Maxine Greaves wrote, “My condolences to his family and friends.”
Award-winning New Jersey reggae artist Ras Emmanuel described Diggy as “a true legend gone too soon.” Basil Wellington added, “Another good one passed. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP H-Diggy. You will be remembered.” Photojournalist Marjorie Flash echoed similar sentiments, while Diva Madonna Williams simply wrote, “Rest in peace.”
Anne-Rhea Smith, who works in State Senator Kevin Parker’s office, summed up what many felt, sharing, “Oh man H-Diggy rest well and walk good. Thank you for your years of contributions to Caribbean media and voice.”
In the cultural arena, Diggy spoke with numerous reggae stars, including Sugar Minott, Sluggy Ranks, The Melodians, and the late Gregory Isaacs, among others.
Shaun Walsh, CEO and producer of Whatz Up New York TV, described Duncan as “relatable” and deeply informed.
“He was able to speak to the man and woman in the street, and then turn around and interview political officials with the same confidence,” Walsh said. “He represented our culture well.”
Walsh fondly remembered the year 1992, when he and Duncan, performing as “Horsehead and Bellymus,” traveled to Orlando, Florida, for what would become a milestone moment.
“We flew to Orlando and performed with DJs Red Fox and Screechy Dan on two shows,” Walsh said. “That was our first booking as a combination.”
Diggy’s journey in the U.S. was not without turbulence. In 2010, he faced the threat of deportation following a minor infraction in Brooklyn. The situation galvanized support from community leaders and political figures, many of whom he had interviewed as a TV host.
Walsh shared that Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Reverend Terry Lee, and community leader Una Clarke rallied support to ensure he remained with his family in the U.S. Jamaican-born attorney Gary Heslop represented him pro bono and won his case. Letters of support were submitted on his behalf, underscoring the respect he had earned across political and cultural lines. The episode only strengthened his reputation as someone deeply woven into the fabric of the community he served.
As tributes continue to flow, one sentiment rings consistently: H-Diggy did the work. His indelible imprint will remain on the airwaves and in the archives for generations to come.
