We had a chance to talk to Tanzania’s singer Diamond Platinumz. He is the most expensive Bongo flavor artist in Tanzania, with a net worth of more than 1 billion Tanzanian shillings.
Diamond is one of Tanzania’s musical heroes, and two-time winner of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro awards for best male singer and best song writer.
We recently had a phone chat with Diamond where he opened up to us on everything from his bling to women and his friendship with Davido and below are the excerpts:
Who is Diamond Platinumz?
I was born Naseeb Abdul. I come from a staunch Muslim family. I don’t like talking about my siblings and family.
You recently collaborated with Davido on the remix of your song ‘Number One’ and this has been getting a lot of buzz? How did this come about? What has the effect been like?
I met Davido when he came down to Tanzania for a show and when we were together, he played some of my music. It was then that I told him about Number 1 and that I would like to feature him in it. The response to Number 1 has been wonderful, the song is currently topping charts in many African countries.
So this was a BUSINESS decision?
Yes, mostly. I met him shortly after he released Aye; Aye is currently very popular in Tanzania, they love the song! I realised that if I want to get across Africa especially in the West African market, the best person to work with would be Davido. His music is well played across the continent and he’s a superstar. I am happy that Davido and I had this collaboration, our unique sound has made the song very popular across Africa. The song has even pushed Davido higher in Tanzania; I am very happy about that too. Now when I come to West Africa, people accept me, it’s a beautiful thing.
What else do you do apart from doing active music?
I am very proud to be into agriculture too. I am part of an NGO here in Tanzania that encourages and facilitates agriculture in the country. I am so proud to be part of the initiative.
Now that you’re a father, what have you learnt about fatherhood?
Fatherhood is a great experience, very humbling. You learn a lot about your children and the kids and the kinds of things they love. For example, my baby loves this cartoon that has a catchy song, I think Ben10.
You’re getting a lot of love from the ladies back home, drop some lines to your guy fans; what would your favourite pick up line if you’re trying to woo a girl?
Laughs! I am happy to have fans across the continent… It’s my JOB to make them happy. There’s this song…. by Shaggy-‘Would you be.’ I would sing; “Would you be offended if told you I like the way you lick your lips?”
What song/kind of music do you hate the most?
I don’t think I have ever really hated any song before, I’m just cool with everything I hear. I try to learn from every tune, every style, every sound. So for me it is a learning experience.
Are you familiar with Ugandan Music, if yes, which one is your favourite?
Well, I have listened to a lot of Ugandan Music. I don’t have any one song or artiste in particular but I think Ugandans have a great taste for music. I have met Eddy Kenzo and I love all his music, he is a great singer too.
Are there any artistes or song in Africa you would give the grammy?
Ooh yes, I love PSquare, infact their song ‘Chop my money’ is my anthem any time, any day. I have a lot of respect for their work and how successful they are all over Africa. I also think Ice Prince is a great rapper, I enjoy his work like I enjoy that of Jay Z. The Nigerian song I think could win a Grammy is Davido’s ‘Skelewu’ that song is just perfect.
You have done so many songs. Are there any unusual songs we can find in your works?
Oh yes, I have a song called ‘If I die tomorrow’, I wrote that song for people who lost their loved ones, letting people know that they don’t need to cry at my funeral, I would love ‘If I die tomorrow’ to be played.
Imagine that everytime you walked into a room, a song just comes on playing.What song would you like it to be?
Because I’m Happppyyyy…. (laughs) from Pharell.
Interview by Stuart G-khast
