Yaya Diamond, daughter of the late disco icon Evelyn Thomas, is stepping into her own spotlight with the release of “Black Betty,” her latest single on Red Hot Reality Entertainment, distributed by Sony’s The Orchard. The track marks another milestone for the artist and entrepreneur, who has built a multifaceted career spanning music, media, and business.
Thomas, who passed away in 2024, was best known for her 1984 hit “High Energy,” which became a staple of the disco era. Now her daughter is carrying forward the family’s musical heritage while carving out her own distinct path in the industry.
A Tribute and a New Direction
Beyond “Black Betty,” Diamond has released a tribute song honoring her mother, available on her VEVO channel. She’s preparing to release a full EP this month, signaling an active period for the independent music label owner. The timing reflects both personal remembrance and professional ambition as she establishes Red Hot Reality Entertainment as a serious player in the independent music space.
Diamond’s credentials extend beyond her recording work. She holds an honorary doctorate in Music Business and Entrepreneurship and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from former President Biden. She’s also submitted for consideration in the BET Awards’ Best New Female Artist category, competing in a field that typically features major label-backed artists.
Building a Media Empire
The artist’s ambitions stretch well beyond music releases. She hosts “Dream Chasers Radio,” a podcast and TV show where she interviews authors and celebrities. The program recently secured distribution on blackchildstudio.com, expanding its reach beyond its existing YouTube presence.
Diamond also serves as Co-CEO of Womentowomentv.com, adding executive leadership to her growing list of roles. It’s this constant motion that colleagues and collaborators describe as her defining characteristic—a hustle that keeps multiple projects moving simultaneously.
Multi-Platform Presence
The approach reflects a modern understanding of the entertainment industry, where artists must build audiences across multiple platforms. Diamond maintains active social media channels and uses her various media ventures to create synergy between her music career and business interests.
Looking ahead, Diamond has stated goals of expanding her company’s foothold, helping more people in need, and building toward a multi-million dollar enterprise. Whether she’ll achieve that scale remains to be seen, but her output suggests someone willing to put in the work required.
For now, “Black Betty” and the forthcoming EP will test whether Diamond can translate her business acumen and family legacy into commercial success. The music entrepreneur is betting that her combination of talent, drive, and strategic thinking will make the difference in an industry where most independent artists struggle to break through.
