Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz is a name synonymous with East African music and showbiz. His story is one of resilience, from his humble beginnings to becoming one of the richest musicians on the continent.
Along the way, Diamond has built a formidable career, but not without courting controversies, as seen in the recent drama at the Furaha City Festival.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Tandale, Diamond spent his formative years juggling school and a growing passion for music. He attended Chakula Bora Nursery School in 1995, later moving to Tandale Magharibi Primary School. By 2006, he had completed his high school education, marking the start of a journey that would lead to stardom.
Sacrifices: Selling His Mother’s Ring for Studio Time
In a 2018 interview, Diamond revealed the extent of his dedication. To fund his first studio session costing TSh 70,000 (around $30), he sold a ring his mother had given him.
“I had no money, so I sold my mom’s ring for TSh 60,000 to pay for my session,” he shared.
This bold move marked the beginning of his rise to fame.
Before the Fame: Odd Jobs
Like many aspiring musicians, Diamond had to make ends meet while chasing his dreams. He worked as a photographer, clothes seller, and fuel pump attendant before breaking into the music industry.
Love Life: Women and Relationships
Diamond’s love life has been a whirlwind of high-profile relationships and public drama.
- Wema Sepetu: His relationship with the former Miss Tanzania ended his first romance with Sarah, who publicly spoke about the betrayal.
- Zari Hassan: Together, they share two children, though their union ended publicly.
- Hamisa Mobetto and Tanasha Donna: Both women also share children with the artist.
- Zuchu: The WCB artist has been linked romantically with Diamond, adding to his storied dating life.
Building an Empire: The WCB CEO
Today, Diamond Platnumz is not just an artist but a business mogul. As CEO of Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB), his wealth spans media, music, and entertainment investments. With a net worth running into millions of dollars, he commands a hefty fee for performances, often accompanied by a list of exclusive demands.
Controversies and Arrests
Diamond’s career has been peppered with controversies:
- Music Bans: The Tanzanian government has taken issue with some of his songs, leading to temporary bans.
- Social Media Arrests: He was detained in 2018, 2020, and 2021 for controversial videos shared online.
- Witchcraft Allegations: Earlier this year, he refuted claims of using witchcraft after a cap he wore during a concert in Dodoma went missing.
“It’s not witchcraft. It’s just a cap, and it’s not even expensive,” he clarified.
Encounter with Sean “Diddy” Combs
Diamond also made headlines after a past meeting with U.S. mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs resurfaced. His former videographer, Lukamba, recalled an awkward interaction during a visit to Diddy’s home.
“We waited outside for 30 minutes, then inside for another 40 minutes as he finished his massage. The meeting didn’t go as planned, and it felt like our agenda was ignored,” Lukamba said.
