DIAMOND PLATNUMZ’S FANS FILE NEW PETITION TO EMPHASIZE HIS QUALIFICATION FOR BET AWARDS NOMINATION

A section of Diamond Platnumz’s fans have come to his rescue following a petition challenging his BET Awards nomination. In a petition on change.org, the fan first congratulated Diamond for his nomination, before listing a number of good things he has done in his music career. The fan with a moniker ‘Enjoy Living‘ argued that the singer deserved the award as he has participated in many social aids in the country. 

The petitioner also highlighted Diamond’s contribution to the Tanzanian music industry. “As a Tanzanian youth, I want to appreciate the nomination of Diamond Platnumz as the competitor of Best International Act category, due to the fact that he is the corner stone of many social aids, influencer and role model of many youth. He has helped many Tanzanian musicians such as Lavalava, Harmonize, Rayvanny and Zuchu who are the products of his label known as WCB.

His legacy on Tanzanian and African music still continues to cut across for so long miles for more than 10 years now. On my opinion, I believe Diamond’s nomination was the best nomination ever, I’m waiting to hear a winning sound from his name, congratulations Diamond, congratulations B.E.T,” read the petition. 

The fan noted that the singer has in the recent past paid rent for over 500 families for at least three months during the COVID-19 pandemic, dished out free medical insurance and purchased 600 desks for selected Tanzanian schools. 

An initial petition on the aforementioned platform urged BET to disqualify Diamond from the prestigious awards. The petitioner accused the singer of using his popularity to whitewash Tanzanians and promote human injustices. 

“Diamond Platnumz is a world-renowned Tanzania music artist who used his popularity and his talent to whitewash and deodorize the brutal repression of the late dictator John Magufuli and his regime. Diamond is also a close friend and business ally of Paul Makonda the former Governor of Dar -es-Salaam who has openly persecuted and cracked down on LGBTI people. Makonda has also been designated in 2020 by the US State Department for gross violations of human rights including cracking down on freedom of expression and association,” read the petition.

The WCB CEO was also accused of failing to show basic concern or publicly express any solidarity with fellow artists Roma Mkatoliki, Nay wa Mitego and Idris Sultan who suffered at the hand of the dictator Magufuli.

Following the petition, Diamond’s manager Sallam SK issued a statement saying the petition was made by those against the singer. 

“Those in the music industry around the world understand that there are creatures in the world called haters. If they don’t hate you might think they would loose blood. So don’t hate or argue with them, instead love them,” he wrote.