Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, professionally known as Diamond Platnumz, is a Tanzanian bongo flava recording artist, dancer, philanthropist and businessman. He is the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi Record Label, Wasafi Bet and Wasafi Media. Diamond has gained a massive following in East and Central Africa.[2] He became the first Africa-based artist to reach 900 million views on YouTube.[3]
Diamond Platnumz | |
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![]() Diamond Platnumz during a press conference in 2012 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack [1] |
Born | Tandale, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
Origin | Kigoma, Tanzania |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Instruments |
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Years active | 2009–present |
Labels | |
Website | Diamond Platnumz on X |
After signing a record deal with Universal Music in 2017, Platnumz released his third studio album, A Boy from Tandale (2018).
In 2021, Diamond together with his record label WCB Wasafi[4] entered into a 360 Partnership with Warner Music Group.[5][6]
Career
He started his music career in 2006 at the age of 18 years old while selling clothes. He would record songs with the money he earned from the clothes' business and eventually recorded his first single "Toka Mwanzo", a Bongo flava song fused with R&B.[7] The song was not successful commercially.
His breakthrough hit single "Kamwambie" was released in 2010.[7] The song won three Tanzania Music Awards.[8] He then released his debut studio album Kamwambie same year in 2010.
In 2014, Platnumz earned a nomination at BET Awards 2014 for Best International Act: Africa.[9]
Platnumz has frequently collaborated with videographer Director Kenny for his music videos. The music video for "Waah", directed by Kenny, was nominated for "Best African Video" at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards.[10][11]
With over 100 Million views on YouTube, Waah is one of the most watched Tanzanian music videos on YouTube [12][13]
In 2022, he released his 10 tracks extended playlist known as First Of All (FOA) where he featured top artists like Zuchu, Adekunle Gold, Focalistic and many other top African artists.[14]
First Of All has been described as a blend of R&B, Bongo Flava and Afrobeats [15] and to promote the EP, Diamond Platnumz for the first time in Tanzania premiered all music videos from the FOA EP at the cinema [16]
In 2023 Diamond Platnumz released his second collaboration with Congolese musician, Koffi Olomide marking his second feature with Koffi after Waah released in 2020 [17][18]
In 2023, Diamond Platnumz won his third MTV EMA as the Best African Act [19][20][21]
Personal life
Source:[22]
Diamond is a Muslim by religion.[23] With his former partner, South African-based Ugandan businesswoman Zari Hassan,[24] he has two children.[25][26] He became a father for the third time with Tanzanian model Hamisa Mobetto.[27] As of 2019 Diamond was dating Kenyan model and musician Tanasha Donna, with whom he fathered one son, born in October 2019.[28] The two have since separated with Tanasha Donna flying back to her home country, Kenya.
Diamond is the cousin of Tanzanian socialite-cum-DJ, Romeo Abdul Jones, professionally known as Romy Jones.[29] He also has two sisters, musician Queen Darleen, and entrepreneur-socialite Esma Platnumz.[30]
In 2010, he endorsed Tanzania's dominant ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and its presidential candidate, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.[31] He has released further songs with lyrics supporting CCM, such as "CCM Tusonge Mbele" ("CCM Let's Move Forward").[32]
In the 2022 Kenyan general election Diamond Platnumz endorsed and performed at the Raila Odinga campaign rally at Kasarani held on 6 August 2022 just 3 days before the election[33]
Diamond has also been said and in various occasions confirmed that he is dating fellow WCB Wasafi label mate, Zuchu[34]
Commercial activities
On 23 January 2019, Diamond Platnumz was officially introduced as Pepsi Brand Ambassador in East Africa.[35]
On 13 September 2019, Diamond Platnumz became Brand Ambassador of Parimatch Africa.[36]
On 25 September 2019, Diamond was named the Nice One Brand Ambassador.[37]
On 4 March 2020, Diamond Platnumz was unveiled as the new Brand Ambassador of Coral Paints (Tanzania).[38]
On 11 December 2021 he launched Wasafibet[39] in partnership with Odibets-a Kenyan Sports betting company.
In April 2022 he was unveiled as the new brand ambassador for Airtel Tanzania[40]
Awards and nominations
He is the most decorated music artist in East and Central Africa .
Discography
Albums
Singles and collaborations
Year | Title | Album |
---|---|---|
2010 |
"Kamwambie" | Kamwambie |
"Nitarejea"(feat. Hawa) | ||
"Nakupa Moyo Wangu"(feat. Mr Blue) | ||
"Nalia Na Mengi"(feat. Chid Benz) | ||
"Jisachi"(feat. Ngwair & Geez Mabovu) | ||
"Wivuwivu"(feat. Rj The Dj) | ||
"Mbagala" | ||
"I Hate You"(feat. Hemedy PHD) | ||
"Binadam" | ||
"Wakunesanesa" | ||
"Si Uko Tayari" | ||
"Toka Mwanzo"(feat. Fatma & Rj The Dj) | ||
2012 |
"Lala Salama" | Lala Salama |
"Moyo Wangu" | ||
"Chanda Chema" | ||
"Nimpende Nani" | ||
"Najua" | ||
"Mawazo" | ||
"Kwanini" | ||
"Natamani" | ||
"Gongo La Mboto"(feat. Mrisho Mpoto) | ||
"Kizaizi" | ||
2018 | "Hallelujah" (feat. Morgan Heritage) | A Boy from Tandale |
"Waka" (feat. Rick Ross) | ||
"Baikoko" | ||
"Pamela" (feat. Young Killer) | ||
"Iyena" (feat. Rayvanny) | ||
"Kosa Langu" | ||
"Nikuone" | ||
"Baila" | ||
"Sijaona" | ||
"African Beauty" (feat. Omarion) | ||
"Eneka" | ||
"Fire" (feat. Tiwa Savage) | ||
"Marry You" (feat. Ne-Yo) | ||
"Number One" (feat. Davido) [Remix] | ||
"Nana" (feat. Flavour) | ||
"Kidogo" (feat. P-Square) | ||
"Amanda" (feat. Jah Prayzah) | ||
"Far Away" (feat. Vanessa Mdee) | ||
"The One" | Songs | |
"Jibebe"(With. Mbosso & Lava Lava) | ||
"Kanyaga" | ||
"Inama" (feat. Fally Ipupa) | ||
"Baba Lao" | ||
"Sound"(feat. Teni (singer)) | ||
"Gere"(With. Tanasha Donna) | ||
"Jeje" | ||
"Haunisumbui"[46] | ||
"Ongeza" | ||
"Waah"(feat. Koffi Olomide) | ||
2021 | "Naanzaje" |
Featured in
Year | Title | Album |
---|---|---|
2017 | "Love you Die" (Patoranking ft. Diamond Platnumz) | |
2019 |
"My Way Remix" (Stanley Enow ft. Diamond Platnumz) | |
"Yope" Remix (Innoss'B ft. Diamond Platnumz) | ||
"Moto"(Wawa Salegy ft. Diamond Platnumz) | ||
"Penzi" (Ya Levis ft. Diamond Platnumz) | ||
2020 | "Wasted Energy" (Alicia Keys ft. Diamond Platnumz) |
"Watora Mari" (Jah Prayzah ft. Diamond Platnumz)
References
- ^ Neophytou, Nadia (6 August 2021). "How Diamond Platnumz Became Tanzania's Biggest Star". Billboard.
- ^ "Mastaa 20 wa burudani, michezo na urembo Tanzania wenye ushawishi mkubwa zaidi". bongo5. 26 April 2013.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz becomes first African artiste to hit 900 million views on Youtube". The Citizen Tanzania. 23 March 2020.
- ^ "Diamond & WCB-Wasafi Ink Another Lucrative Deal with International Company (Photos)". Pulse Kenya. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ "Warner Music Group Warner Music Announces Partnership with Diamond Platnumz and WCB-Wasafi". Warner Music Group Official Website. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ "Warner Music partners with Diamond Platnumz | Complete Music Update". Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ a b "How Diamond Platnumz Became Tanzania's Biggest Star - The Citizen". The Citizen. 8 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ Neophytou, Nadia. "How Diamond Platnumz Became Tanzania's Biggest Star". Billaboard. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
- ^ "Beyonce & Jay Z Lead 2014 BET Awards". Billboard. 26 January 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
- ^ "Best African Video". www.afrima.org. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
- ^ "What Artists Are Nominated for All Africa Music Awards 2021". www.lifestyleuganda.com. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz's Waah hits 100 million on YouTube". The Citizen. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ "Africanews | Diamond Platinumz ft Koffi Olomide video song breaks Youtube record in Africa". Africanews. 20 January 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ "First Of All by Diamond Platnumz". ivoryMP3. 11 March 2022.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz's "First of All" Album is a Concise and Sleek Take on Love - Afrocritik". 21 March 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz To Premiere 10 Music Videos At The Cinema |Notjustok". Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video - Notjustok. 18 March 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ BellaNaija.com (16 August 2023). "New Video: Diamond Platnumz feat. Koffi Olomide — Achii". BellaNaija. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ "Diamond counters critics with Koffi Olomide studio teaser". Pulselive Kenya. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ Folder, African (6 November 2023). "Diamond Platnumz, Rema Win Big At MTV EMA Awards 2023 (Full List Of Winners) | African Folder". Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ "Diamond wins third MTV EMA award - Daily News". 6 November 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ "Singer Diamond Platnumz outshines Nigerian stars at MTV Awards". TRT Afrika. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ https://trtafrika.com/lifestyle/diamond-platnumz-tanzanian-singers-rags-to-riches-story-16798374. "Diamond Platnumz: Tanzanian singer's rags-to-riches story - TRT Afrika". Diamond Platnumz: Tanzanian singer's rags-to-riches story. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
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- ^ "Diamond on the Sporah Show". Sporah Show. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ Musungu, Nahashon (15 February 2018). "Zari Hassan finally divorces Diamond Platnumz... on Valentine's Day". Nairobi News. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
- ^ Aswani, Nixon (21 February 2018). "Diamond Platnumz biography: facts you didn't know about the king of Wasafi". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya dayax news. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ Mbuthia, Geoffrey (11 May 2018). "Diamond denies rumours that Prince Nillan is not his son". Mpasho News. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz Admits Cheating on Zari With Model Hamisa Mobeto". TowerPostNews. 19 September 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ Muli, Davis. "17 hours of labour: Tanasha Donna welcomes first child with Diamond". Standard Digital News. Archived from the original on 18 February 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
- ^ "Diamond's brother Romy Jons and wife expecting their first child (Video)". Facebook. 31 July 2019.
- ^ Sauce, The (3 December 2019). "Diamond Platnumz's elder sister Queen Darleen married as a second wife".
- ^ "Mimi na mchagua Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete" [I have selected Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete]. YouTube (in Swahili). 28 August 2010. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ^ "Diamond Mbagala Remix CCM Tusonge Mbele" [Mbagala Remix CCM Let's Move Forward]. YouTube (in Swahili). 30 August 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ^ "Diamond tells Raila Odinga: You are the next President". The Citizen. 6 August 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ "'I love you always' - Diamond, Zuchu publicly confirm they are dating : K24 TV". www.k24tv.co.ke. 24 November 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ Kahaso, Wendy (24 January 2019). "Diamond officially appointed as Pepsi brand ambassador".
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz brand ambassador for Parimatch Africa". iGaming Business. 13 September 2019. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- ^ "Diamond lands another ambassadorial deal (Video)". Facebook. 25 September 2019.
- ^ "Details of Diamond's press conference that went down in Dar es Salaam". Facebook. 4 March 2020.
- ^ Ngigi, Elizabeth (11 December 2021). "Odibets partners with Diamond Platnumz to launch Wasafibet". The Star. No. The Star. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz in another deal with Airtel Tanzania". The Citizen. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ "Free Music Streaming & Sharing | Audiomack". audiomack.com.
- ^ "Free Music Streaming & Sharing | Audiomack". audiomack.com.
- ^ "A Boy From Tandale: How The Diamond Platnumz Album Launch & Songa Bash Went Down - Potentash". Potentash. 16 March 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz 'A Boy From Tandale' Album Launch – Kenya (Review)". Black Roses. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz First Of All EP". ivoryMP3. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
- ^ "Music + Lyrics: Diamond Platnumz – Haunisumbui Mp3 & Lyrics". Amebo9ja. 3 October 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.