Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, professionally known as Diamond Platnumz, is a Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artist, dancer, philanthropist, and businessman. He is the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi, Wasafi Bet, and Wasafi Media. Diamond has built a massive following across East and Central Africa and became the first Africa-based artist to surpass 900 million views on YouTube.
After signing a record deal with Universal Music Group in 2017, he released his third studio album, A Boy from Tandale (2018). In 2021, Diamond and WCB Wasafi entered into a 360 partnership with Warner Music Group.
Career
Diamond Platnumz began his music career in 2006 at the age of 18 while selling clothes to support himself. He used the proceeds from his business to fund studio sessions, eventually releasing his debut single Toka Mwanzo, a Bongo Flava track fused with R&B.
His breakthrough came in 2010 with the hit single Kamwambie, which won three Tanzania Music Awards. The same year, he released his debut album Kamwambie.
In 2014, he earned a nomination for Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards 2014. Diamond has frequently collaborated with renowned video director Director Kenny, including on the hit Waah, which was nominated for Best African Video at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards. With over 100 million views, Waah remains one of the most-watched Tanzanian music videos on YouTube.
In 2022, he released the 10-track EP First Of All (FOA), featuring top African artists such as Zuchu, Adekunle Gold, and Focalistic. The project blends R&B, Bongo Flava, and Afrobeats. To promote the EP, Diamond made history in Tanzania by premiering all its music videos in cinemas.
In 2023, he collaborated again with Congolese legend Koffi Olomide, marking their second joint project after Waah (2020). That same year, Diamond won his third award at the MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Act.
Personal Life
Diamond Platnumz is Muslim by religion. He has two children with Ugandan businesswoman Zari Hassan, one child with Tanzanian model Hamisa Mobetto, and one son with Kenyan musician Tanasha Donna. He has also been publicly linked to fellow WCB Wasafi artist Zuchu.
He is the cousin of Tanzanian DJ Romeo Abdul Jones and has two sisters: musician Queen Darleen and entrepreneur Esma Platnumz.
Diamond has also been active in politics. In 2010, he supported Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, and its presidential candidate Jakaya Kikwete. In 2022, he endorsed Kenyan politician Raila Odinga and performed at a campaign rally in Nairobi.
Commercial Activities
Diamond Platnumz has secured several major endorsement deals. In 2019, he became a brand ambassador for Pepsi in East Africa and later partnered with Parimatch and Coral Paints Tanzania.
In December 2021, he launched Wasafi Bet in partnership with Kenyan betting company Odibets. In 2022, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador for Airtel Tanzania.
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