NEW YORK — Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz has become the newest member of an exclusive global club: YouTube creators with over 10 million subscribers.
The 35-year-old, known for his infectious Bongo Flava hits, was awarded YouTube’s coveted Diamond Play Button during a ceremony in New York on Friday. It’s a rare milestone—especially for an African artist—and solidifies his status as one of the continent’s digital pioneers.
“Honestly, I want to dedicate this to all my fans, my team, my family, and everybody in the industry,” Diamond said in a video posted shortly after the award was presented. “YouTube, you have changed my life.”
He received the award surrounded by members of his Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) team, his family, and industry friends.
The YouTube Diamond Play Button is granted to creators who surpass the 10 million subscriber mark, subject to content and copyright standards. Diamond now joins a small league of African stars with that honour, including Egyptian singer Mohamed Ramadan, Moroccan hitmaker Saad Lamjarred, and Algerian rapper Soolking.
His success on YouTube is no overnight miracle. Over the past 13 years, Diamond—real name Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack—has blended local rhythms with global collaborations, creating a sound that resonates far beyond East Africa. With hits like Jeje, Inama, and Waah!, he has built a fiercely loyal following across the Swahili-speaking world and the diaspora.
On Instagram, where he boasts over 17 million followers, fans erupted in celebration. “We are proud of you, Simba!” read one comment, echoing the nickname many fans use for him.
For Tanzanian music, and East Africa as a whole, the milestone is symbolic. “This isn’t just a personal achievement,” said Tanzanian music critic Mussa Mbilinyi. “It’s a moment that tells the world East African music is digital, global, and here to stay.”
Diamond’s landmark week didn’t end there.
Just days before the award ceremony, he performed at the Hot 97 Summer Jam in Newark, New Jersey—reportedly spending $250,000 of his own money to appear at the iconic hip-hop event. The lineup included names like A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, GloRilla, Gunna, and Afrobeat stars Asake and Ayra Starr, underscoring how African music continues to shape global soundscapes.
“He didn’t just show up,” said U.S. event promoter Lisa Monroe. “He delivered. The crowd, many of whom had never seen a Bongo Flava artist live, were electrified.”
And Diamond isn’t done. In recent interviews, he’s hinted at a new album and more international collaborations before the year ends.
For now, though, his Diamond Play Button sits as both trophy and symbol. A reward not just for reaching 10 million subscribers, but for making East African sound part of the global conversation.