Tanzanian sensation Diamond Platnumz recently unveiled the staggering expenditure of over Sh450 million on the production of a single music video in the United States. The revelation came to light during the inauguration of ‘Bite Vibes,’ a festival orchestrated by Serengeti Breweries in Dar es Salaam on April 11, 2024.
Addressing the audience at the event, the Bongo Flava icon underscored the indispensable role of substantial financial investment in attaining global success within the music industry. He shed light on the exorbitant costs involved in creating international music, particularly citing his recent video shoot in the US, which amounted to approximately $190,000. Diamond emphasized the daunting reality that this seemingly hefty figure, when converted, surpassed the Sh500 million mark, illustrating the stringent financial landscape prevailing in such markets.
Diamond Platnumz ascended to stardom through chart-topping hits like ‘Mapozi,’ ‘Shu,’ ‘My Baby,’ and ‘Yatapita.’ His musical repertoire extends to collaborations with international heavyweights, including Neyo in ‘Marry You,’ Omarion in ‘African Beauty,’ Rick Ross in ‘Waka,’ and Morgan Heritage in ‘Hallelujah.’ Moreover, Diamond disclosed his extensive video productions spanning across diverse locations worldwide, encompassing South Africa, the United States, Nigeria, and Britain.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Diamond highlighted his thriving presence on digital platforms, boasting millions of subscribers on his YouTube channels, translating into substantial financial returns. He attributed a pivotal moment in his career to a collaboration with Nigerian superstar Davido in the track ‘Number One Remix,’ acknowledging Davido’s significant influence on his artistic journey.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Diamond Platnumz is an advocate for investment in the media industry, showcasing his successful ventures such as Wasafi and Alikiba’s Crown Media as exemplary brands making positive impacts in society. He urged fellow musicians to adopt a broader perspective, viewing music not only as an art form but also as a lucrative investment capable of catalyzing societal change.
In his parting words, Diamond encouraged aspiring artists to seize opportunities in various sectors, emphasizing the importance of leaving a lasting legacy in their wake. He envisioned a generation of artists who not only excel in their craft but also actively engage in business ventures, thereby shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
