Diamond Platnumz Nominated for MTV EMA Awards in Paris
Diamond Platnumz has been selected to compete for the MTV Europe Music Awards @mtvema in the category of Best African Artist, facing tough competition from Asake and Burna Boy, both from Nigeria, Libianca from Cameroon, and Tyler ICU, a South African DJ.
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The Bongo Flava musician has once again been nominated for this year’s MTV EMAs, after missing out in 2021, making him the sole artist from East Africa on that list. The voting process has officially begun on the mtvema.com website, and the awards ceremony is expected to take place in Paris, France for the first time since 1995.
In 2015, @diamondplatnumz won this prestigious music award, surpassing Yemi Alade, the Late AKA, Davido, the Late Dj Arafat, Indus Creed, Monica Dogra, Priyanka Chopra, The Ska Vengers, Your Chin, and Asia in the category then known as Best African/Indian Act.
Table of Contents
Who is Diamond Platnumz?
Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, widely recognized as Diamond Platnumz, is a Tanzanian artist known for his contributions to the Bongo Flava music genre. He is also a dancer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Diamond is the visionary behind WCB Wasafi Record Label, Wasafi Bet, and Wasafi Media, where he serves as the Founder and CEO. His influence extends across East and Central Africa, boasting a substantial fan base. Notably, Diamond achieved a historic milestone as the first artist based in Africa to accumulate over 900 million views on YouTube.
In 2017, Diamond inked a significant record deal with Universal Music. This collaboration led to the release of his third studio album, “A Boy from Tandale” in 2018. Then, in 2021, Diamond and his label, WCB Wasafi, forged a comprehensive partnership with Warner Music Group, marking a pivotal moment in their musical journey.
One of Diamond’s crowning achievements is his remarkable success on YouTube. He broke records by becoming the first artist based in Africa to achieve an astounding 900 million views on the platform. This accomplishment speaks to the global appeal and reach of his music.
The release of his third studio album, “A Boy from Tandale” in 2018, marked a pivotal moment in his musical journey. This album showcased his artistic growth and further solidified his position as a leading figure in the music industry.
LISTEN: Diamond Platnumz Ft Koffi Olomide – Achii
In 2021, Diamond, along with his record label WCB Wasafi, entered into a groundbreaking 360 Partnership with Warner Music Group. This partnership represents a comprehensive collaboration that extends beyond music distribution, indicating a significant development in Diamond’s career and the trajectory of WCB Wasafi.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Diamond Platnumz |
| Nickname | Simba (Lion) |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 2nd October 1989 |
| Age | 33 years (as of June 2023) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Place of Birth | Tandale, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania |
| Residence | Mbezi Beach, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania |
| Nationality | Tanzanian |
| Ethnicity | African |
| Religion | Muslim |
| Mother | Sanura Kasimu |
| Father | Abdul Juma |
| Siblings | 2 sisters |
| Famous Relative | DJ Romy Jones (cousin) |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Children | Sons: 3, Daughters: 1 |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, dancer, businessman |
| Years Active | 2006 – present |
| Genres | Bongo flava, Afro-pop, Afrobeat, soukous |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | WCB Wasafi, Warner Music Group |
| @diamondplatnumz | |
| @DiamondPlatnumz255 | |
| Twitter (X) | @diamondplatnumz |
| YouTube | @TheDiamondplatnumz |
Personal life
Diamond practices Islam as his religion. He has been in several significant relationships. Firstly, with South African-based Ugandan businesswoman, Zari Hassan, with whom he shares two children. Later, he became a father for the third time with Tanzanian model, Hamisa Mobetto.
In 2019, Diamond was in a relationship with Kenyan model and musician, Tanasha Donna. They welcomed a son together in October of the same year. However, they have since separated, with Tanasha Donna returning to her home country, Kenya.
Family ties hold importance for Diamond. He is the cousin of Tanzanian socialite and DJ, Romeo Abdul Jones, professionally known as Romy Jones. Additionally, he has two sisters: musician Queen Darleen and entrepreneur-socialite Esma Platnumz.
Diamond’s involvement in politics has also been notable. In 2010, he publicly supported Tanzania’s dominant ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and its presidential candidate, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. He even released songs with lyrics expressing his support for CCM, like “CCM Tusonge Mbele” (“CCM Let’s Move Forward”).
In the 2022 Kenyan general election, Diamond Platnumz played an active role by endorsing and performing at Raila Odinga’s campaign rally at Kasarani, just three days before the election.
Career
Diamond Platnumz embarked on his music journey in 2006, diving in at the age of 18 while running a clothing business. Using his earnings, he recorded his debut single “Toka Mwanzo,” a fusion of Bongo flava and R&B. However, this initial effort didn’t gain much commercial success.
The turning point arrived with his breakthrough hit “Kamwambie” in 2010, which garnered three Tanzania Music Awards. That same year, he unveiled his first studio album, also titled “Kamwambie.”
In 2014, Diamond Platnumz received a coveted nomination at the BET Awards 2014 in the category of Best International Act: Africa.
Director Kenny, a frequent collaborator, has played a pivotal role in bringing Diamond’s musical visions to life through captivating music videos. One notable video, “Waah,” directed by Kenny, earned a nomination for “Best African Video” at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards.
In 2022, Diamond released his highly anticipated extended playlist “First Of All (FOA),” featuring esteemed artists such as Zuchu, Adekunle Gold, Focalistic, and other top African talents. The EP seamlessly blends R&B, Bongo Flava, and Afrobeats.
To promote “First Of All,” Diamond took a unique approach by premiering all the music videos from the EP in Tanzanian cinemas for the very first time.
In 2023, Diamond Platnumz unveiled his second collaboration with Congolese musician Koffi Olomide, building on the success of their previous joint release, “Waah,” from 2020.
Family Background, and Education
Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, better known as Diamond Platnumz, came into the world on October 2, 1989. While he was born in Tandale, Dar es Salaam, his roots trace back to Kigoma, Tanzania. His parents are Sanura Kasimu and Mzee Abdul Juma.
At 31 years old, Naseeb is believed to be his parents’ only son, despite having siblings and cousins. Among them is DJ Romy Jones, known as Romeo Abdul Jones, a socialite and DJ. As for his siblings, he has Esma Platnumz and Darleen, both entrepreneurs and musicians.
Naseeb’s early years were marked by challenges. After his mother’s separation from his father, she raised him on her own in western Tanzania. As a single parent, they faced financial difficulties, even sharing a room with Diamond’s grandmother while renting out the other rooms to make ends meet.
Despite the financial hardships, Diamond Platnumz completed his nursery and primary education at Chakula Bora Nursery School and Tandale Magharib Primary School. He wrapped up nursery school in 1995 and finished primary school in 2002. In 2003, he joined Tanzania Secondary School, but life circumstances led him to temporarily leave in 2006. He took up various odd jobs, including selling clothes and working at a petrol station. He later re-enrolled and triumphantly graduated in 2016.
Throughout his upbringing, Naseeb’s love for music flourished. He began mimicking various musicians he saw on TV. Recognizing his talent in music and dance, his mother wholeheartedly supported him. She assisted him in writing lyrics, provided him with different albums to practice, and took him to various concerts and talent shows to gain exposure. Despite facing resistance from some family members, she remained steadfast in helping her only son realize his dream of becoming a celebrated musician.
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) | ||
| 2020 | Kanyaga | |
| Inama (feat. Fally Ipupa) | ||
| Baba Lao | ||
| Sound (feat. Teni (singer)) | ||
| Gere (With. Tanasha Donna) | ||
| Jeje | ||
| Haunisumbui [38] | ||
| Ongeza | ||
| Waah (feat. Koffi Olomide) | ||
| 2021 | Naanzaje |
More hits song from Diamond Platnumz;