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Diamond Platnumz, born Naseeb Abdul Juma, came into the world on 2 October 1989 in Tandale, a ward in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling commercial capital.
Growing up in a modest family, Diamond encountered several hardships during his early years, including a period when he resided with his grandmother.
His upbringing was largely shaped by his mother, Sanura Kassim, 'Mama Dangote'. He attended primary school in Tanzania from 1995 to 2002 before advancing to secondary education. It is recorded that he completed his secondary schooling in 2006
Here are some of the little-known facts about the Bongo Flava star.
Diamond sold his mother's ring to record music
Diamond Platnumz is currently one of the richest artists in East Africa and Africa after overcoming many obstacles that came his way when he started singing.
Diamond opened up on November 17, 2018, that he sold his mother's ring to pay for his studio session. The cost of the session was Tsh70K (Sh3K).
“I heard an offer that there was a studio session for TSh 70,000 (Sh3,800), but I did not have any money so I had a ring given to me by my mum, and I sold it for TSh 60,000 (Sh3,200),” said Diamond during an interview with Classic 105.
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The outcome of the session was disappointing since his songs performed poorly.
Photography
Diamond Platnumz used to work as a photographer to make ends meet after completing his primary education.
The Bongo Flava star did many odd jobs to earn a living and he once stated that he sold second-hand clothes also when things were tough.
Apart from selling second-hand clothes, Diamond worked as a fuel pump attendant also.
Collaboration charges
Diamond worked hard to build his own brand and rumours have it that he charges millions for anyone interested in collaborating with him.
Kenyan artist Akothee once said that he paid Diamond Sh1.5 million for a collaboration of the 'Sweet Love' banger which has 10 million views on YouTube. The song was recorded seven years ago.
We are now in 2023 so you can guess how much he charges for a collaboration.
Is Diamond the richest East African artist?
Despite winning many awards globally and recording many bangers with other top artists, Diamond Platnumz was the second-richest East African artist until December 2022, when he overtook Bobi Wine of Uganda.
In 2016, the singer revealed to E! TV that his estimated net worth was $4 million (approximately Sh487.4 million). According to Celebrity Net Worth, this figure has since grown to over $10 million (around Sh1.2 billion).
Using his wealth, Diamond has made significant investments in various businesses and properties. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Wasafi Classic Baby(WCB) record label. He owns a betting company and Wasafi Media, which operates both Wasafi TV and Wasafi FM.
READ: Diamond Platnumz's father criticises son for piercing nose
What Diamond charges for a show
Hard work pays and Diamond is enjoying the fruits of his labour. Diamond charges Sh300K for a show in Tanzania while he goes for Sh2.5 million for a show in Kenya.
Diamond was paid Sh10 million to perform during Azimio's last campaign in August 2022. He performed for 12 minutes only.
Awards
Since his breakthrough in 2010, Diamond Platnumz has earned numerous accolades for his music. That year, he won the Tanzania Music Awards for Best Song and Best R&B Song for Kamwambie, along with Best Upcoming Artist.
In 2012, he received awards for Best Music Video (Moyo Wangu), Best Male Artist, and Best Songwriter. Over the years, he has continued to win Tanzania Music Awards, including Best Male Artist, Best Afro Pop Song (Number One), and Video of the Year (Mdogo Mdogo).
In addition to these, Diamond has been honoured with multiple African Muzik Magazine Awards, HiPipo Music Awards, WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards, and Channel O Music Video Awards.
Notably, he received the 2014 Prize in Entertainment from the Future Africa Awards and was named Best Male Artist – Tanzania at the Nzumari Awards in 2012.
Relationships & children
Diamond has four children with different mothers: Uganda's Zari Hassan, Tanzania's Hamisa Mobetto, and Kenya's Tanasha Donna Oketch. He is currently in a relationship with his signee, Zuchu.