Bongo Flava sensation Diamond Platnumz has finally revealed the truth behind his controversial absence from the Furaha City Festival at the Nairobi Polo Club last weekend—despite pocketing a jaw-dropping $150,000 (approximately Sh19.4 million) for the performance.
Diamond Platnumz finally broke his silence on the Willy Paul drama at the Furaha City Festival, spilling all the details and setting the record straight on what really went down.
Uncompromising Professionalism
In his statement, Diamond Platnumz laid bare his unwavering commitment to professional standards, insisting his career is governed by strict discipline and respect for time.
The Tanzanian superstar disclosed that he arrived at the venue three hours ahead of his scheduled performance. However, chaos and mismanagement by the organizers led to delays, leaving him no choice but to stand his ground.
“Siwezi kulipwa $150,000 halafu nije kupigania kupanda stage. Nitafika kwenye ukumbi kwa wakati na kusubiri organiser wa aniombe nipande jukwaani kwa wakati uliokubaliwa. Nitakuwa naangalia saa yangu, na muda wangu wa kutumbuiza ukimalizika, nitaondoka kwenye na hela ndio ntakuwa nmeila,” he declared.
“I cannot be paid $150,000 and then come fight to perform on stage. I will be at the venue on time and wait for the event organiser to ask me to get on stage at the agreed time. I will be looking at my watch, and should my performance time be exhausted, I will leave the venue—and I will not refund any money.”
No Patience for Drama
Diamond was resolute, affirming that he does not argue or tussle for stage time. His music career, he stressed, is built on discipline.
“Sina muda wa kujadiliana na mwandaaji wa show au kupigana na wasanii ili nipewe nafasi ya kuperform. Hivyo ndivyo nidhamu yangu ya muziki ilivyo,” he said.
Adding, “I don’t have time to negotiate with an event organizer or fight with artists to be allowed to perform. That’s how my music discipline is.”
Clapping Back at Willy Paul
Addressing allegations from Kenyan artist Willy Paul—who claimed that Diamond’s management blocked him from performing—Diamond dismissed the accusations as baseless and attention-seeking.
“I would be stupid to do that; how does it even make sense? Clearly, I was the headlining act. This means all other artists were going to perform, then I close the concert. So he (Willy Paul) is just trying to cook stories for clout because he is still chasing fame,” he said.
“Ningekuwa mjinga kufanya hivyo; hata ina maana gani? Ni wazi kwamba nilikuwa headliner wa show. Hii inamaanisha wasanii wengine wote walipaswa kuperform kwanza, halafu mimi nifunge show. Kwa hivyo yeye (Willy Paul) anajaribu tu kutunga hadithi kwa ajili ya kiki kwa sababu bado anatafuta umaarufu.”
A Call for Better Organization
Diamond didn’t mince words as he slammed the event organizers for poor planning, which he said marred the festival.
He urged artists and organizers across the region to step up their game and create an environment that respects both performers and audiences.
“Muziki unahitaji bidii na usimamizi mzuri, si kiki na huruma,” he said, adding that higher standards are crucial for the region’s growth and to avoid unnecessary controversies.
