Teino Evans, Staff Reporter 
Oneil Palmer, aka Ninja Diamond. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
HE IS the adopted son of dancehall 'Don Gorgon' Ninja Man. He has turned his life over to Christ and dedicates his time to serving God and leading people to Him.
Oneil Palmer, aka Ninja Diamond, says he has been lifting up the name of Jesus in song since 2000.
Palmer says he was actually inspired to turn his life over to Christ by his adopted father, Desmond 'Ninja Man' Ballentine.
"I use to visit Ninja Man while he was at the General Penitentiary every Thursday and he was always encouraging me not to get caught up in wrong doings and to make sure that I don't end up back in prison. I had to look into it, because if him a seh dat then it must be serious," Palmer said.
According to Palmer, it wasn't until Ninja Man was released from prison and they had a show for him that he realised that his life would be changed for the better.
"At the show I performed alongside Ninja Man and I just had a different feeling the whole time. From that night in 2000, mi know seh dat would be my last reggae show and from dat a bare gospel mi a do," Palmer recalled.
Palmer, who started singing at six years old while attending the Bethel Born Again Church, says he gave his life to Christ at the age of nine, but within a few months left the church to sing with his adopted father Ninja Man.
"I was promoted by Ninja and often shared stage with the Don Gorgon on many events, where I sang to the thrills of the crowd. I also shared stage with famous reggae artistes such as Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra and Merciless. During this time I signed up with manger Oral Wilson, leader of the Lexus crew, and was given the privilege to perform on events such as Reggae Sumfest, Reggae Sunsplash and various talent searches," he recalled.
After his spiritual awakening, Palmer says he recommitted himself to the Lord at the Bethel Born Again Church, pastored by Bishop L.M Alison, and then signed with Christopher Walker. He began singing and sharing stage with renowned gospel artistes such as Allan Lewis, Lester Lewis, Joan Flemmings, Stitchie and Jenieve and Robert Bailey.
"I still maintain a good relationship with Ninja Man, as plans are ahead to do a combination with him on my upcoming album, God Up 2," Ninja Diamond said.
Palmer, who is now married and has a child, currently sings with the restoration gospel singer Alton Morrison.
DIFFICULT ROAD
The road as a gospel artiste, he says, has been difficult at times, especially because of his past and current demeanour.
"Wi have more rough times than good, because even when wi go to some churches they give you a hard time because of how you dress and talk and I think that is spiritual bondage," he said.
All the songs that Palmer have written and performed are true testimonies of his life experiences and, according to Palmer, his debut album and upcoming sophomore album will define who Ninja Diamond and Restoration really are.
On their upcoming album Palmer promises that it will be two times the blessing, as they are expected to do collaborations with the likes of Ninja Man, Joan Flemmings and others.
Next on the agenda for Ninja Diamond is his annual birthday celebration event, which will be held at the Bog Walk School in St. Catherine, which will feature himself and Joan Flemmings.
