Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz, real name Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, has broken his silence on the events that led to his absence from the Furaha City Festival held at the Nairobi Polo Club Grounds.
The Bongo Flava artist, who was paid $150,000 (approximately Ksh19 million) to headline the event, left without performing, citing chaotic organisation and delays.
Speaking in a video message to his fans, Diamond explained that his decision to leave was influenced by disorganisation at the venue and a prolonged wait to be called on stage.
“The security at the venue was very questionable. I stayed in my car, waiting to be called to the stage for my performance,” he said. “I will remain in my car at the venue until the event organiser calls me to perform. If my performance time passes, I will leave and I will not refund any money.”
Diamond Platnumz revealed that he waited for over three hours and, by 3 a.m., was still not called to perform. He noted that performing at such a late hour would have been futile as fans were likely too exhausted to enjoy the show.
“It was too early in the morning, and it was too late to perform. The fans wouldn’t have been excited. My manager just took me back to the hotel,” he added.
The singer dismissed accusations that he refused to perform because a Kenyan artist, Willy Paul, was allowed to take the stage before him.
Diamond clarified that as the headline act, it was expected for other artists to perform first.
“When you are the headliner, it means other artists will perform first, then you will close the show, but even then you can’t close the show at 4am or 6am when fans are already tired and yawning,” he said.
The artist stressed that he will not be refunding the Ksh19 million, received as payment for the live performance.
“I cannot come to an event and force to perform, you have already paid me, I will wait until you are ready and if that comes when it’s my time to leave, I leave, and there won’t be a refund because it’s you who has breached the contract.
“Why on earth would I hate on the other artists and stop them from performing before me? I would be stupid to do that,” he said.
The event organisers acknowledged the setbacks, apologised for Diamond’s absence, and commended other artists, including Zuchu and Rayvanny, for their remarkable performances.
They expressed a commitment to addressing the issues and improving future editions of the festival.
“Kenyan artists outdid themselves, and we are proud. Their impeccable talent, energy, and professionalism were evident throughout the festival… We thank Rayvanny and Wasafi’s Zuchu for their performance as well,” they said.
“We respect Diamond Platnumz’s position as a top-tier artist, but we also expect mutual professionalism and respect in such collaborations. Moving forward, we are committed to resolving these matters amicably and learning from this experience to ensure even greater success for future editions of the Furaha City Festival,” The team added.
Diamond concluded by stating his disappointment over the situation but maintained that the responsibility lay with the organisers to ensure a successful show.
