Diamond Platnumz, whose real name is Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, has cemented his status as one of Africa’s most prominent music stars. He has recently achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first artist in Sub-Saharan Africa to surpass 10 million subscribers on YouTube, a clear indicator of his growing global presence.
Born on October 2, 1989, in Tandale, a modest area in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Diamond Platnumz grew up facing economic challenges. He was raised by his single mother, Mama Dangote, who supported his early musical aspirations by selling clothes to fund his studio recordings.
His breakthrough came in 2010 with the hit song “Kamwambie.” In the same year, he earned a nomination for Best New Artist at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Lagos, Nigeria. He continued to release popular songs like “Number One,” “Jeje,” “Waah,” “Inama,” and “Yope.” While his primary language for music is Swahili, his unique sound has captivated fans across Africa and globally.
A business visionary and mentor beyond the mic
Diamond Platnumz is not only a celebrated artist but also a strategic businessman. He is the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi, a music label that has played a pivotal role in nurturing new talent. Beyond just recording, WCB Wasafi focuses on holistic artist development, guiding musicians in songwriting, brand building, and professional conduct within the industry.
He also oversees Wasafi TV and Wasafi FM, media platforms that actively promote African culture and entertainment to a broad audience.
His influence and dedication have earned him numerous accolades and opportunities on the international stage
On July 18, 2015, he won Best Live Act at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban, South Africa.
Later that year, on October 25, 2015, he secured both the Best African Act and the Best Worldwide Act: Africa/India awards at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in Milan.
In November 2023, he made history by becoming the first African artist to win three MTV EMAs, once again taking home the Best African Act award.
Most recently, in February 2025, he was recognized as the Best Global African Artist at the Trace Awards in Zanzibar. Demonstrating his expanding reach, he performed at the prestigious Hot 97 Summer Jam in New Jersey, USA, on June 20, 2025 —a significant event on the global hip-hop calendar.
Diamond Platnumz has also engaged in notable collaborations with international artists such as Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Omarion, Davido, and Patoranking, further broadening his global appeal. He has consistently received honors from various award bodies, including the MTV Africa Music Awards and AFRIMA.
In terms of digital reach within Sub-Saharan Africa, Diamond Platnumz leads in YouTube subscribers, outpacing other prominent African artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Rayvanny, Harmonize, Rema, and Fally Ipupa. While some North African artists may have higher subscriber counts overall, his dominance in the Sub-Saharan region is clear.
Upon reaching the 10 million subscriber milestone on YouTube, Diamond Platnumz expressed his gratitude on Instagram, stating, “This is not just my success, it’s Africa’s success.”
Diamond Platnumz serves as an inspiring figure for many young people across Africa. His path from humble beginnings to a globally recognized superstar showcases that with hard work, talent, and belief in one’s vision, significant achievements are possible.
