During a recent digital forum, Diamond expressed his frustration with some of his Tanzanian fans who criticize him for releasing songs in English, despite not understanding the language. He highlighted the dilemma faced by artists who aspire to achieve international success while catering to their local fan base.
According to Diamond, fans often demand international recognition from artists, yet simultaneously discourage them from creating English-language music. He emphasized the praise received when he and his fellow artists continue producing Swahili songs, which resonate strongly with their local supporters. However, he also acknowledged that this preference for Swahili music hinders East African artists from making a breakthrough on the global stage.
Diamond cited Rayvanny as an example of an artist who successfully embraced English-language songs to gain international prominence. Initially hesitant, Rayvanny eventually adopted English in his music, and Diamond took pride in supporting him through that transition.
The artist stressed the importance of considering that songs are not exclusively for Swahili speakers. He urged fellow musicians to acknowledge the broader audience they could reach by creating music accessible to non-Swahili speakers.
Diamond acknowledged the challenges of expanding internationally and emphasized the need for a strong fan base in Africa as a foundation for conquering global markets. He acknowledged that some platforms may not yield significant financial gains for artists, but they must persistently pursue opportunities to advance their careers.
In conclusion, Diamond voiced his frustrations regarding the criticism he faces for releasing English-language songs, despite the demand for international recognition from his fan base. He highlighted the successful example of Rayvanny, who initially hesitated but ultimately embraced English music to achieve international success. Diamond encouraged artists to consider a broader audience beyond Swahili speakers and emphasized the importance of perseverance and a strong African fan base in pursuing international opportunities.
