By Watchdog reporter
A few days ago Tanzania bongo flava star Diamond Platnumz broke the internet when he confessed to have cheated on his wife Zari Hassan with model Hamisa Mobetto and as a result he sired a child with the Tanzanian socialite.
As if Mobetto’s saga wasn’t enough, another beauty queen from Burundi also came out to allege that the singer is the father of her twins though he denounced responsibility.
After the scandal, many people thought East Africa’s power couple will call it a quit. Fortunately, the two love birds have proved beyond reasonable doubt that their love is still strong as a rock after the singer flew to South Africa to celebrate Zari’s birthday during weekend.
Today we decided to unveil some of the interesting facts you didn’t know about the star who has made a name not only in singing but also in sleeping around with ‘slay queens’.
Here are ten things you should know about the Tanzanian music powerhouse:
- Age and growing up
Diamond Platnumz’ real name is Nasibu Abdul Juma. However, he prefers calling himself Chibu Dangote. He was born on October 2nd 1989 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He grew up in western parts of Tandale with his mother at his grandmother’s house. His grandmother shared a single room with both Diamond and his mother, and was forced to rent out remaining two rooms to make ends meet.
- Family
Diamond is a single child raised by a single mother. His parents separated due to unresolved differences.
- Education
The Wasafi president attended Chakula Bora nursery in 1995, and later joined Tandale Magharibi Primary school from 1996 and completed in 2002. He was awarded with an honorary degree by the University of Dar es Salaam in November, 2014 for his role in exporting Tanzanian art and culture.
- Networth
Nobody doubts how wealthy Diamond is. He is believed to be one of East Africa’s highest earning and paid artiste based on his performances and album sales. In African Great Lakes region, no musician equals him in selling of ringtones by mobile phone companies. His worth is not yet officially documented, but going by the investments he has made, Diamond is a multi-millionaire.
- Music life and growth
Chibu Dangote started showing interest in music while in standard five. His supportive mum bought him albums of different artistes, helped him out in writing lyrics and took him to talent shows hoping his son would be given a platform to showcase his talent. For the recording of his first song, Diamond stole his mother’s gold ring and sold it to raise studio money. Today he boasts of over 130 songs to his name.
- Works he did before music
Diamond sold second-hand clothes, was a filling station attendant and was also a freelance photographer which he did to raise studio session money in 2007.
- Relationships
Platnumz has dated the hottest models and showbiz queens in and outside East Africa. He has dated Former Miss Tanzania 2006 and film star, Wema Sepetu, Tanzania’s VJ Penny Mungilwa, Honey Jesca from Burundi, Hamisa Mobetto Zari Hassan with whom they have two kids together, just to mention but a few.
- Awards
Diamond has won many awards (21 plus). He has the following awards to his name: Kilimanjaro’s best upcoming artiste, 2010, MTV Base Mama Awards, Nigeria for best upcoming artiste as well as many Tanzania’s Music Awards. In Kenya, he has won Nzumari Music Awards for Best Male artiste from Tanzania. The list is endless.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
