DIAMONDS REIMAGINED: A SYMPHONIC SALUTE TO RIHANNA
Event Description
Prepare to witness Rihanna’s music reborn in brilliant color. DIAMONDS REIMAGINED is not just a tribute…it’s a full-scale symphonic experience that fuses orchestral elegance, R&B soul, jazz sophistication, and the pulse of the club into a breathtaking, high-octane sonic universe.
Known for her high energy and captivating tribute shows from Erykah Badu, to SADE & Nina Simone, powerhouse vocalist, storyteller, and creative force Tonya Nicole, and the brilliant pianist, arranger, and jazz maestro Jonathan Lovett, this show explodes with musicality, theatricality, and electrifying star power. Together, Tonya and Jonathan co-created a tribute that honors Rihanna’s global impact while reimagining her hits through lush textures and bold reinterpretations.
The stage comes alive with an 8-piece string orchestra, a soulful 4-piece R&B/Jazz band, one dynamic DJ, and special surprises throughout the evening all wrapped in dramatic staging that transforms every beat into a moment.
Event Information
ABOUT TONYA NICOLE
(born Tonya Nicole Smalls-Williams)
A national recording artist, songwriter, actress, educator, and show creator, Tonya Nicole is a multi-hyphenate force whose performances feel like both a spotlight and a soul-light. A Holly Hill, SC native now shining in Charleston, she blends rhythm, resilience, and raw storytelling into every note.
A graduate of the College of Charleston with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and a core ensemble member of PURE Theatre, Tonya moves seamlessly between stage and studio. Her voice is as powerful as a brass section yet smooth as a jazz solo and has become her signature. From Jazz and R&B to Funk, Gospel, and retro-cool soul, her sound bends genres with intention and emotion.
Her musical journey, sparked at age four in her father’s church, evolved into acclaimed singles like “YOU GOT ME,” “COTTON CANDY,” and her 2022 EP #1996KindaLove, a lush fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B celebrating two decades of marriage. A cancer survivor and health advocate, Tonya transformed her testimony into art, earning recognition as Charleston City Paper’s R&B Artist of the Year 2024.
She has shared the stage with a lineup of powerhouses including Leela James, Felicia P. Fields,
Grammy-nominated Jazzmeia Horn, and 2x Grammy winner Quiana Parler, while captivating audiences with her magnetic presence. Tonya now brings her wit and warmth as the host of Holy City Idol, and she will release her debut jazz album TRIBE in Spring 2026.
ABOUT JONATHAN LOVETT
Jonathan Lovett is a multifaceted musical force. He’s a jazz pianist, bassist, organist, composer, orchestrator, and one of Charleston’s most revered musical exports. His mastery across multiple instruments and genres has earned him national acclaim and solidified his place among the leading musicians in the United States.
Jonathan has toured globally with legendary blues guitarist Eric Gales, and his performance résumé is a testament to his elite musicianship. He has performed or collaborated with an extraordinary list of artists, including: Keb’ Mo’, Bobby Rush, Joe Bonamassa, Buddy Guy, Marcus King, Wycliffe Gordon, Cory Henry, Trombone Shorty, Chris Potter, James Carter, Delfeayo Marsalis, and has shared stages with world icons John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr., Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, John McLaughlin, Hamilton de Holanda, Snarky Puppy, Chaka Khan, and many more.
His journey began in Charleston, where he immersed himself in the city’s rich jazz culture. With relentless dedication, he mastered piano, bass, and organ — his virtuosity becoming his signature and setting him apart as a versatile, in-demand artist across jazz, soul, blues, and global fusion.