Diamond Platnumz - Early Life, Education, Career and Songs

Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, known professionally 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 amassed a huge following in East and Central Africa. He became the first Africa-based artist to reach 900 million views on YouTube.

After signing a record deal with Universal Music in 2017, Platnumz released his third studio album, **A Boy from Tandale**, in 2018. In 2021, Diamond and his record label WCB Wasafi entered into a 360 partnership with Warner Music Group.

Early Life

Born at Amana Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on October 2, 1989, Diamond Platnumz, also known as Chibu Dangote, is regarded as one of Africa’s leading and most influential artists. He grew up in his grandmother's house in the western part of Tandale. As his mother's only child, Diamond's upbringing was challenging. His father was not present, so his mother and grandmother had to rent out parts of their house to cover daily needs and pay bills.

Education

Diamond Platnumz began his education at Chakula Bora Nursery School in 1995. He then attended Tandale Magharibi in 1996, graduating in 2002. After completing his secondary education in 2006, Diamond took on various jobs, including being a photographer, a fuel pump attendant, and selling second-hand clothes.

Interestingly, Diamond started showing an interest in music while he was still in standard five. He would sing and imitate local and international artists whenever he had the chance.

Music Career

Diamond Platnumz began his music career in 2006 at the age of 18 while selling clothes. He used the money he earned from this business to record songs, eventually creating his first single, "Toka Mwanzo," a Bongo Flava song fused with R&B. Unfortunately, the song was not commercially successful.

His breakthrough came in 2010 with the hit single "Kamwambie," which won three Tanzania Music Awards. That same year, he released his debut studio album, Kamwambie.

In 2014, Diamond earned a nomination at the BET Awards for Best International Act: Africa. He has frequently collaborated with videographer Director Kenny for his music videos. The video for "Waah," directed by Kenny, was nominated for "Best African Video" at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards and has garnered over 100 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched Tanzanian music videos.

In 2022, Diamond released a 10-track extended playlist titled First Of All (FOA), featuring top artists like Zuchu, Adekunle Gold, Focalistic, and other prominent African musicians. The EP is described as a blend of R&B, Bongo Flava, and Afrobeats. To promote the EP, Diamond premiered all the music videos from FOA at a cinema in Tanzania, a first for him.

In 2023, Diamond released his second collaboration with Congolese musician Koffi Olomide, marking their second feature together after "Waah" in 2020. That same year, Diamond won his third MTV EMA for Best African Act.

Personal Life

Diamond Platnumz is a Muslim. He has two children with his former partner, South African-based Ugandan businesswoman Zari Hassan. He became a father for the third time with Tanzanian model Hamisa Mobetto. In 2019, Diamond was dating Kenyan model and musician Tanasha Donna, with whom he has a son born in October 2019. They have since separated, with Tanasha returning to Kenya.

Diamond is related to Tanzanian socialite and DJ Romeo Abdul Jones, known professionally as Romy Jones. He also has two sisters: musician Queen Darleen and entrepreneur-socialite Esma Platnumz.

In 2010, Diamond endorsed Tanzania's ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and its presidential candidate, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. He has released songs supporting CCM, such as "CCM Tusonge Mbele" ("CCM Let's Move Forward"). In the 2022 Kenyan general election, Diamond endorsed and performed at Raila Odinga's campaign rally at Kasarani, held on August 6, 2022, just three days before the election.

Diamond has confirmed that he is dating fellow WCB Wasafi label mate Zuchu. His children are Latifah Dangote, Naseeb Junior, Prince Nillan, and Dylan Abdul Naseeb. His parents are Abdul Juma and Sanura Kasimu.

Brand Ambassadorship Deals

On January 23, 2019, Diamond Platnumz was officially introduced as the Pepsi Brand Ambassador in East Africa. Later that year, on September 13, he became the Brand Ambassador for Parimatch Africa. On September 25, 2019, he was named the Nice One Brand Ambassador. 

On March 4, 2020, Diamond was unveiled as the new Brand Ambassador for Coral Paints in Tanzania. On December 11, 2021, he launched Wasafibet in partnership with Odibets, a Kenyan sports betting company. In April 2022, Diamond was unveiled as the new Brand Ambassador for Airtel Tanzania.

Discography

Albums

2010 - Kamwambie

2012 - Lala Salama

2018 - A Boy from Tandale

2022 - First Of All

Singles and collaborations

2010:

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"

"Moyo Wangu"

"Chanda Chema"

"Nimpende Nani"

"Najua"

"Mawazo"

"Kwanini"

"Natamani"

"Gongo La Mboto"(feat. Mrisho Mpoto)

2018:

"Hallelujah" (feat. Morgan Heritage)

"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"

"Jibebe"(With. Mbosso & Lava Lava)

"Kanyaga"

"Inama" (feat. Fally Ipupa)

"Baba Lao"

"Sound"(feat. Teni (singer))

"Gere"(With. Tanasha Donna)

"Jeje"

"Haunisumbui"

"Ongeza"

"Waah"(feat. Koffi Olomide)

2021

"Naanzaje"