In a recent press conference, Tanzanian music icon Diamond Platnumz addressed why he has notably excluded Nigeria from his tour destinations, despite his massive following and success across Africa.
The artist highlighted the underestimation he often feels from the Nigerian music scene, stating, “Nigerians have a habit of underestimating you even though they know your power.” He explained his straightforward approach to negotiations: “I say, ‘I want this much, if you don’t want to, I won’t go.’ That’s it, short and clear.”
Diamond also shared his strategy to make every performance in Africa feel like a home concert in Tanzania, emphasizing his ability to fill stadiums with enthusiastic fans. However, his ambitions extend beyond the continent.
He discussed the meticulous planning required to transition to a global stage, contrasting his focus on succeeding in Africa first with other artists who aim directly for global recognition.
Despite the international allure, Diamond remains committed to elevating Tanzanian music on the world stage. He expressed concerns about the dominance of South African music internationally and the challenges that West African music faces in gaining similar traction.
He remains optimistic about the global potential of Tanzanian music, citing the success of his track “Shu” and emphasizing the importance of perseverance and strategic support networks.
The artist also lamented the lack of Tanzanian presence in global music shows, which he attributed to the strong expatriate communities from West Africa that bolster attendance at such events. “You have to rely on people from other countries to attend the show,”
Diamond noted, pointing out the familial advantages that West African artists enjoy abroad. Despite these challenges, Diamond Platnumz’s resolve to see Tanzanian music shine globally remains undeterred.
