Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz says he has maintained a close relationship with Azimio leader Raila Odinga since the 2022 presidential polls.
The renowned musician, born Naseeb Juma, spoke to Nairobi News at Serena Hotel, in Nairobi, on October 28, 2023.
He is in the country to perform at the Tusker Oktobafest at Ngong Racecourse.
Diamond performed at Mr Odinga’s penultimate campaign rally in Nairobi in the run-up to the hotly contested polls.
He also suggested that the ten-minute performance, which earned him a reported Sh1.2 million, was purely business.
When asked if he had spoken with Raila Odinga after the polls, Diamond responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes, tushawai zungumza (yes, we have spoken). Nilikuja nikaperform na ilikuwa poa” (I came, I performed, and it was great).
Despite Diamond’s performance which was widely celebrated among the youth at the packed venue, Mr Odinga narrowly lost in the presidential contest to President William Ruto.
The performance attracted varied reactions, with a section of stakeholders suggesting the opposition team should have picked on local musicians for the event.
Diamond is a renowned artist and one of the most popular in Africa.
He is known to ask for up to Sh10 million for a single appearance depending on the venue and client.
He was also integral in performing at several political rallies during Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli’s (now deceased) reign. Magufuli died soon after winning the 2015 polls.
He boasts a strong fanbase in Kenya and across East Africa for some of his songs including Yatapita, Waaah, Zuwena and Jeje.
Besides his talents and exploits, the 34-year-old’s personal life has been hogged by one controversy after another.
He is reported to have several baby mamas in Kenya, his native Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
