Naseeb Abdul Juma, better known by his stage name Diamond Platnumz, is leading the Bongo Flava hip- hop scene in Tanzania. Born in Dar es Salaam, Diamond spent his childhood living with his mother. A single child due to his estranged father, Diamond spent his early years focusing on singing and entertainment to help maintain his goals of the future.
His father was absent from his childhood, and recently came into the news while trying to “reconnect” with his son after his fame and fortune. It is said that his father has even camped out at Diamond’s recording studio just to get a glimpse of his son. Some speculate that Diamond’s father is simply looking for a handout instead of an authentic re-connection with his son.
What is Bongo Flava?
As the leading artist and reportedly the most wealthy and influential in Tanzania, what is Diamond doing to shape the modern Bongo Flava industry? Bongo Flava is a music style phenomenon based on a home grown version of western hip hop with a Tanzania spin. Arguably one of the strongest symbols of today’s Tanzania, this music genre first appeared in the late 1980’s gaining momentum and popularity. Over the last 20 years, this music has changed quite drastically, and artists are motivated and focused on maintaining context that is defined by modern and relevant topics of the region.
Diamond In Rehab?
Fame and fortune are not always what it’s cracked up to be, and in late March, Diamond’s manager confirmed that he admitted rapper Chidi Benz to rehab for drug addiction. While there are no formal reports of Diamond being admitted into a rehabilitation facility, fans are worried that the association and risk are there.
Diamond’s Love Life
Diamond has not always had a solid love life, and with the controversy of rumored infidelity behind his girlfriend at one time, Wema Sepetu, he has continued to struggle in this area of his life. Now a father, he recently broke down in tears after confirming his DNA results being the biological father of baby Tifa, with his current wife Zari Hassan. If having a sketchy love life wasn’t enough, his fans demanded that he validate his current relationship and prove that he was the father of his announced daughter, and through positive DNA testing, Diamond was elated to put the rumors to bed.
Music Life
Now that his love life is out of the way, and he’s settled into fatherhood, what can we expect from this top performing artist? With his new song Baba, released early 2016, Diamond has once again shut down his critics and was recently photographed hanging out with American superstars Kanye West, Neyo and Hakeem of Empire. In addition to kickin’ it with fellow artists, Diamond has been taking his image to heart posting pictures on his Instagram account of his recent nose piercing. But when he’s not working on his persona, you can expect that Diamond will be hitting the stage to do what he loves the most, performing. In 2016 he has been on stage in countries such as Norway, Sweden and Belgium, among others.
Diamond Platnumz has been a leading artist and music hero to many people in Tanzania, and while he suffers from the same criticism, struggles and media that most famous artists face, he has continued to produce award winning music and performances. As 2016 begins to turn the corner, only time will tell what this artist has in store for his fans and the future of his empire.
Sorry just for the record Diamond Platnumz is not a hip hop artist but he’s doing kinda rnb and afropop.. Meaning that he’s a Singer.. Not a rapper..