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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| Instrument(s) |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels | |
| Website | Diamond Platnumz on Twitter |
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
Diamond is a Muslim by religion.[22] With his former partner, South African-based Ugandan businesswoman Zari Hassan,[23] he has two children.[24][25] He became a father for the third time with Tanzanian model Hamisa Mobetto.[26] As of 2019 Diamond was dating Kenyan model and musician Tanasha Donna, with whom he fathered one son, born in October 2019.[27] 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.[28] He also has two sisters, musician Queen Darleen, and entrepreneur-socialite Esma Platnumz.[29]
In 2010, he endorsed Tanzania's dominant ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and its presidential candidate, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.[30] He has released further songs with lyrics supporting CCM, such as "CCM Tusonge Mbele" ("CCM Let's Move Forward").[31]
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[32]
Diamond has also been said and in various occasions confirmed that he is dating fellow WCB Wasafi label mate, Zuchu[33]
Commercial activities
On 23 January 2019, Diamond Platnumz was officially introduced as Pepsi Brand Ambassador in East Africa.[34]
On 13 September 2019, Diamond Platnumz became Brand Ambassador of Parimatch Africa.[35]
On 25 September 2019, Diamond was named the Nice One Brand Ambassador.[36]
On 4 March 2020, Diamond Platnumz was unveiled as the new Brand Ambassador of Coral Paints (Tanzania).[37]
On 11 December 2021 he launched Wasafibet[38] in partnership with Odibets-a Kenyan Sports betting company.
In April 2022 he was unveiled as the new brand ambassador for Airtel Tanzania [39]
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"[45] | ||
| "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)
