Diamond Platnumz’s latest video for his song Naanzaje, is a love song sang in his language, Swahili. The video which was released on his YouTube channel today (September 5th), has already amassed close to one million views proving once again that the Tanzanian singer has still got it! The video was directed by Hanscana and the song was produced by Lizer Classic.
Diamond is one of the few international African artists who stayed true to his roots and culture by singing in Swahili. In a world where Afrobeats is gaining a lot of traction and where many listen to American music, he never budged. Even with his mega stardom and success in music he has not felt the pressure of succumbing to singing in English nor to change his style of music.
If anything, he has a way of naturally and effortlessly immersing his Swahili lyrics into any collaborations he does with artists who sing in English, French and other languages. As an innovative entertainer, he has over the years gradually switched things up during collaborations with non-Tanzanian artists.
In recent years, and as someone open to change, he has sung in English when collaborating with others but still keeps his signature language – Swahili. He has pulled in international collaborations, like with American artist Omarion, and has many more planned.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS?
When you know who you are and what you stand for, focus on being the best in it. Regardless the resistance that comes your way, when you have a clear vision and define your style and consistently go with it, even your naysayers will have no choice than to come on board and join the band wagon. Diamond has proven to many other Africans that you can sing in a language which is not spoken by most of Africa and the world, and still gain recognition. Singing primarily in English is not a requirement or the key to success.
