Diamond Platnumz

{{short description|Tanzanian singer, dancer, philanthropist and businessman}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Diamond Platnumz

| image = Diamond Platnumz.jpg

| caption = Diamond Platnumz during a press conference in 2012

| birth_name = Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack

{{Cite magazine |last=Neophytou |first=Nadia |date=6 August 2021 |title=How Diamond Platnumz Became Tanzania's Biggest Star |magazine=Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/diamond-platnumz-tanzania-bongo-flava-interview-9610830/}}

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}}

| birth_place = Kasulu, Kigoma, Tanzania

| origin = Kigoma, Tanzania

| genre = {{flatlist|

| occupation = {{flatlist|

Singer
songwriter
dancer
businessman
Actor}}

| instrument = {{flatlist|

Vocals
piano
guitar
drums

}}

| years_active = 2009–present

| label = {{flatlist|

}}

| associated_acts = *Mbosso

Zuchu
Lava Lava

| website = {{Twitter|diamondplatnumz|Diamond Platnumz}}

| image_size = 250px

}}

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.{{Cite web |date=26 April 2013 |title=Mastaa 20 wa burudani, michezo na urembo Tanzania wenye ushawishi mkubwa zaidi |url=http://www.bongo5.com/mastaa-20-wa-burudanimichezo-na-urembo-tanzania-wenye-ushawishi-mkubwa-zaidi-04-2013/ |publisher=bongo5}} He became the first Africa-based artist to reach 900 million views on YouTube.{{Cite web |title=Diamond Platnumz becomes first African artiste to hit 900 million views on Youtube|date=23 March 2020 |work=The Citizen Tanzania|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/diamond-platnumz-becomes-first-african-artiste-to-hit-900-million-views-on-youtube-2706234}}

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{{Cite web |date=18 May 2021 |title=Diamond & WCB-Wasafi Ink Another Lucrative Deal with International Company (Photos) |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/diamond-and-his-wcb-wasafi-ink-another-lucrative-deal-with-warner-music-south-africa/vpdwbq7 |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=Pulse Kenya |language=en}} entered into a 360 Partnership with Warner Music Group.{{Cite web |title=Warner Music Group Warner Music Announces Partnership with Diamond Platnumz and WCB-Wasafi |url=https://www.wmg.com/news/warner-music-announces-partnership-diamond-platnumz-and-wcb-wasafi-35466 |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=Warner Music Group Official Website |date=18 May 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Warner Music partners with Diamond Platnumz {{!}} Complete Music Update |url=https://completemusicupdate.com/article/warner-music-partners-with-diamond-platnumz/ |access-date=18 May 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518114525/https://completemusicupdate.com/article/warner-music-partners-with-diamond-platnumz/ |url-status=dead }}

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.{{Cite web |title=How Diamond Platnumz Became Tanzania's Biggest Star - The Citizen |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/entertainment/how-diamond-platnumz-became-tanzania-s-biggest-star-3503686 |access-date=8 August 2021 |website=The Citizen|date=8 August 2021 }} The song was not successful commercially.

His breakthrough hit single "Kamwambie" was released in 2010. The song won three Tanzania Music Awards.{{Cite web |last=Neophytou |first=Nadia |title=How Diamond Platnumz Became Tanzania's Biggest Star |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9610830/diamond-platnumz-tanzania-bongo-flava-interview/ |access-date=8 June 2021 |website=Billaboard}} 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.{{Cite magazine |date=26 January 2014 |title=Beyonce & Jay Z Lead 2014 BET Awards |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6084917/beyonce-jay-z-lead-2014-bet-awards |access-date=14 May 2014 |magazine=Billboard}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Best African Video |url=https://afrima.org/AFRIMA2021voting/best-african-video |website=www.afrima.org |language=en |access-date=29 October 2021 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027121026/https://afrima.org/AFRIMA2021voting/best-african-video |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title=What Artists Are Nominated for All Africa Music Awards 2021 |url=https://lifestyleuganda.com/nominees-africa-music-awards-2021/ |access-date=12 October 2021 |website=www.lifestyleuganda.com |date=25 September 2021 |language=en}}

With over 100 Million views on YouTube, Waah is one of the most watched Tanzanian music videos on YouTube.{{Cite web |date=11 February 2022 |title=Diamond Platnumz's Waah hits 100 million on YouTube |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/entertainment/diamond-platnumz-s-waah-hits-100-million-on-youtube-3713032 |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=20 January 2021 |title=Africanews {{!}} Diamond Platinumz ft Koffi Olomide video song breaks Youtube record in Africa |url=http://www.africanews.com/amp/2020/12/02/diamond-platinumz-ft-koffi-olomide-video-song-breaks-youtube-record-in-africa/ |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=Africanews |language=en}}File:Countries artists feat with Diamond Platnumz.svgIn 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.{{Cite news |date=11 March 2022 |title=First Of All by Diamond Platnumz |language=en-US |work=ivoryMP3 |url=https://ivorymp3.com/diamond-platnumz-first-of-all-album/}}

First Of All has been described as a blend of R&B, Bongo Flava and Afrobeats {{Cite web |date=21 March 2022 |title=Diamond Platnumz's "First of All" Album is a Concise and Sleek Take on Love - Afrocritik |url=https://www.afrocritik.com/diamond-platnumzs-first-of-all-album-is-a-concise-and-sleek-take-on-love/ |access-date=21 February 2023 |language=en}} and to promote the EP, Diamond Platnumz for the first time in Tanzania premiered all music videos from the FOA EP at the cinema.{{Cite web |date=18 March 2022 |title=Diamond Platnumz To Premiere 10 Music Videos At The Cinema {{!}}Notjustok |url=https://notjustok.com/eastafrica/news/diamond-platnumz-music-videos-premier/ |access-date=21 February 2023 |website=Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video - Notjustok |language=en-US}}

In 2023 Diamond Platnumz released his second collaboration with Congolese musician, Koffi Olomide marking his second feature with Koffi after Waah released in 2020.{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com |date=16 August 2023 |title=New Video: Diamond Platnumz feat. Koffi Olomide — Achii |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2023/08/diamond-platnumz-ft-koffi-olomide-achii/ |access-date=20 August 2023 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=6 July 2023 |title=Diamond counters critics with Koffi Olomide studio teaser |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/diamond-platnumzcounters-critics-with-koffi-olomide-studio-teaser-in-their-upcoming/1m67sey |access-date=20 August 2023 |website=Pulselive Kenya |language=en}}

In 2023, Diamond Platnumz won his third MTV EMA as the Best African Actor.{{Cite web |last=Folder |first=African |date=6 November 2023 |title=Diamond Platnumz, Rema Win Big At MTV EMA Awards 2023 (Full List Of Winners) {{!}} African Folder |url=https://africanfolder.com/mtv-ema-awards-2023-full-list-of-winners/ |access-date=26 December 2023 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=6 November 2023 |title=Diamond wins third MTV EMA award - Daily News |url=https://dailynews.co.tz/diamond-wins-third-mtv-ema-award/ |access-date=26 December 2023 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |date=7 November 2023 |title=Singer Diamond Platnumz outshines Nigerian stars at MTV Awards |url=http://www.trtafrika.com/africa/singer-diamond-platnumz-outshines-nigerian-stars-at-mtv-awards-15723048 |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=TRT Afrika |language=en}}

Personal life

Source:{{Cite web |title=Diamond Platnumz: Tanzanian singer's rags-to-riches story - TRT Afrika |url=https://trtafrika.com/lifestyle/diamond-platnumz-tanzanian-singers-rags-to-riches-story-16798374 |access-date=6 June 2024 |website=Diamond Platnumz: Tanzanian singer's rags-to-riches story |language=en}}

Diamond is a Muslim by religion.{{Cite web |title=Diamond on the Sporah Show |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gNyERFAm14&t=30m15s |access-date=16 June 2014 |publisher=Sporah Show}} With his former partner, South African-based Ugandan businesswoman Zari Hassan,{{Cite news |last=Musungu |first=Nahashon |date=15 February 2018 |title=Zari Hassan finally divorces Diamond Platnumz... on Valentine's Day |language=en-US |work=Nairobi News |url=https://nairobinews.nation.co.ke/chillax/zari-hassan-finally-divorces-diamond-platinumz-valentines-day/ |access-date=5 April 2018}} he has two children.{{Cite web |last=Aswani |first=Nixon |date=21 February 2018 |title=Diamond Platnumz biography: facts you didn't know about the king of Wasafi |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/266426-diamond-platnumz-biography-facts-didnt-king-wasafi.html |access-date=19 November 2018 |website=Tuko.co.ke - Kenya dayax news.}}{{Cite web |last=Mbuthia |first=Geoffrey |date=11 May 2018 |title=Diamond denies rumours that Prince Nillan is not his son |url=https://mpasho.co.ke/diamond-denies-rumours-nillan-son/ |access-date=19 November 2018 |website=Mpasho News |archive-date=20 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120095415/https://mpasho.co.ke/diamond-denies-rumours-nillan-son/ |url-status=dead }} He became a father for the third time with Tanzanian model Hamisa Mobetto.{{Cite web |date=19 September 2017 |title=Diamond Platnumz Admits Cheating on Zari With Model Hamisa Mobeto |url=http://thetowerpost.com/2017/09/19/diamond-platnumz-admits-cheating-on-zari-with-model-hamisa-mobeto/ |access-date=19 November 2018 |website=TowerPostNews}} As of 2019 Diamond was dating Kenyan model and musician Tanasha Donna, with whom he fathered one son, born in October 2019.{{Cite web |last=Muli |first=Davis |title=17 hours of labour: Tanasha Donna welcomes first child with Diamond |url=https://www.sde.co.ke/article/2001344186/17-hours-of-labour-tanasha-donna-welcomes-first-child-with-diamond |access-date=18 February 2020 |website=Standard Digital News |archive-date=18 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218090929/https://www.sde.co.ke/article/2001344186/17-hours-of-labour-tanasha-donna-welcomes-first-child-with-diamond |url-status=dead }} 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.{{Cite web |date=31 July 2019 |title=Diamond's brother Romy Jons and wife expecting their first child (Video) |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/diamonds-brother-and-official-dj-romy-jons-and-wife-kay-jord-expecting-their-first/xm2z3s8 |website=Facebook}} He also has two sisters, musician Queen Darleen, and entrepreneur-socialite Esma Platnumz.{{Cite web |last=Sauce |first=The |date=3 December 2019 |title=Diamond Platnumz's elder sister Queen Darleen married as a second wife |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/diamond-platnumzs-elder-sister-queen-darleen-married-as-a-second-wife/}}

In 2010, he endorsed Tanzania's dominant ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and its presidential candidate, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.{{Cite web |date=28 August 2010 |title=Mimi na mchagua Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete |website=YouTube |trans-title=I have selected Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DlUeI8T6FY |access-date=17 September 2014 |language=sw}} He has released further songs with lyrics supporting CCM, such as "CCM Tusonge Mbele" ("CCM Let's Move Forward").{{Cite web |date=30 August 2014 |title=Diamond Mbagala Remix CCM Tusonge Mbele |website=YouTube |trans-title=Mbagala Remix CCM Let's Move Forward |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkZdDn2U6iI |access-date=17 September 2014 |language=sw}}

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.{{Cite web |date=6 August 2022 |title=Diamond tells Raila Odinga: You are the next President |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/entertainment/diamond-tells-raila-odinga-you-are-the-next-president-3905778 |access-date=7 August 2022 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}

Diamond has also been said and in various occasions confirmed that he is dating fellow WCB Wasafi label mate, Zuchu.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2022 |title='I love you always' - Diamond, Zuchu publicly confirm they are dating : K24 TV |url=https://www.k24tv.co.ke/entertainment/diamond-zuchu-confirm-they-are-dating-87324/ |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=www.k24tv.co.ke |language=en-US}}

=Commercial activities=

On 23 January 2019, Diamond Platnumz was officially introduced as Pepsi Brand Ambassador in East Africa.{{Cite web |last=Kahaso |first=Wendy |date=24 January 2019 |title=Diamond officially appointed as Pepsi brand ambassador |url=https://dailyactive.info/2019/01/24/diamond-officially-appointed-as-pepsi-brand-ambassador/ |access-date=13 March 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617092245/https://dailyactive.info/2019/01/24/diamond-officially-appointed-as-pepsi-brand-ambassador/ |url-status=dead }}

On 13 September 2019, Diamond Platnumz became Brand Ambassador of Parimatch Africa.{{Cite web |date=13 September 2019 |title=Diamond Platnumz brand ambassador for Parimatch Africa |url=https://www.igamingbusiness.com/diamond-platnumz-brand-ambassador-parimatch-africa |website=iGaming Business |access-date=13 March 2020 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919092833/https://www.igamingbusiness.com/diamond-platnumz-brand-ambassador-parimatch-africa |url-status=dead }}

On 25 September 2019, Diamond was named the Nice One Brand Ambassador.{{Cite web |date=25 September 2019 |title=Diamond lands another ambassadorial deal (Video) |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/diamond-platnumz-appointed-nice-one-brand-ambassador/ezxj7bz |website=Facebook}}

On 4 March 2020, Diamond Platnumz was unveiled as the new Brand Ambassador of Coral Paints (Tanzania).{{Cite web |date=4 March 2020 |title=Details of Diamond's press conference that went down in Dar es Salaam |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/diamond-platnumz-appointed-as-the-new-brand-ambassador-of-cotral-paints-in-tanzania/rhl8bkn |website=Facebook}}

On 11 December 2021 he launched Wasafibet{{Cite news |last=Ngigi |first=Elizabeth |date=11 December 2021 |title=Odibets partners with Diamond Platnumz to launch Wasafibet |work=The Star |issue=The Star |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2021-12-11-odibets-partners-with-diamond-platnumz-to-launch-wasafibet/ |access-date=1 April 2022}} in partnership with Odibets-a Kenyan Sports betting company.

In April 2022 he was unveiled as the new brand ambassador for Airtel Tanzania.{{Cite web |date=12 April 2022 |title=Diamond Platnumz in another deal with Airtel Tanzania |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/business/diamond-platnumz-in-another-deal-with-airtel-tanzania-3780058 |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}

Awards and nominations

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Diamond Platnumz}}

He is the most decorated music artist in East and Central Africa.

Discography

=Albums=

2010: Kamwambie{{Cite web |title=Free Music Streaming & Sharing | Audiomack |url=https://audiomack.com/album/diamondplatnumz/kamwambie |website=audiomack.com}}
2012: Lala Salama{{Cite web |title=Free Music Streaming & Sharing | Audiomack |url=https://audiomack.com/album/diamondplatnumz/lalasalama |website=audiomack.com}}
2018: A Boy from Tandale{{Cite news |date=16 March 2018 |title=A Boy From Tandale: How The Diamond Platnumz Album Launch & Songa Bash Went Down - Potentash |language=en-US |work=Potentash |url=https://www.potentash.com/2018/03/16/diamond-platinumz-boy-from-tandale/ |access-date=20 March 2018}}{{Cite news |date=15 March 2018 |title=Diamond Platnumz 'A Boy From Tandale' Album Launch – Kenya (Review) |language=en-US |work=Black Roses |url=https://anyiko.wordpress.com/2018/03/15/diamond-platnumz-a-boy-from-tandale-album-launch-kenya-review/ |access-date=20 March 2018}}
2022: First Of All{{Cite news |date=11 March 2022 |title=Diamond Platnumz First Of All EP |language=en-US |work=ivoryMP3 |url=https://ivorymp3.com/diamond-platnumz-first-of-all-album/ |access-date=11 March 2022}}

= Singles and collaborations =

Year !Title !Album
class="wikitable sortable"
rowspan="12" \|2010 \|"Kamwambie" \| rowspan="12" \|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)
rowspan="10" \|2012 \|"Lala Salama" \| rowspan="10" \|Lala Salama
"Moyo Wangu"
"Chanda Chema"
"Nimpende Nani"
"Najua"
"Mawazo"
"Kwanini"
"Natamani"
"Gongo La Mboto"(feat. Mrisho Mpoto)
"Kizaizi"
rowspan="18" \|2018 \|"Hallelujah" (feat. Morgan Heritage) \| rowspan="18" \|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)
rowspan="11" \| \|"The One" \| rowspan="11"{{n/a\|Songs}}
"Jibebe"(With. Mbosso & Lava Lava)
"Kanyaga"
"Inama" (feat. Fally Ipupa)
"Baba Lao"
"Sound"(feat. Teni (singer))
"Gere"(With. Tanasha Donna)
"Jeje"
"Haunisumbui"{{Cite web \|date=3 October 2020 \|title=Music + Lyrics: Diamond Platnumz – Haunisumbui Mp3 & Lyrics \|url=http://amebo9ja.com/music-lyrics-diamond-platnumz-haunisumbui-mp3-lyrics/ \|access-date=6 October 2020 \|website=Amebo9ja \|language=en-US}}
"Ongeza"
"Waah"(feat. Koffi Olomide)
2021 \|"Naanzaje" \|

=Featured in=

class="wikitable sortable" \|+
Year !Title !Album
2017 \|"Love you Die" (Patoranking ft. Diamond Platnumz)
rowspan="4" \|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) \|
2015

class="wikitable sortable"

Year

!Title

!Album

2017

|"Love you Die" (Patoranking ft. Diamond Platnumz)

rowspan="4" |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