Lavalava claims Diamond Platnumz broke promise to fund his solo career
By Steve Ireri, August 13, 2025Tanzanian musician Abdul Juma Idd, alias Lavalava, has revealed that he has not received the funds promised by Diamond Platnumz to kickstart his solo career after leaving WCB Wasafi.
Lavalava joined the WCB label in 2015 but was officially unveiled after releasing his first song under the label in 2017. Rumours emerged in May 2025 that he had parted ways with WCB after Diamond appeared in an interview and promised substantial financial support for him.
Speaking to Tanzanian YouTubers hours after appearing at the BASATA following his summons on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Lavalava said that, to date, he has not received any of the money promised.
However, he expressed gratitude for the small savings he had accumulated, which he said he had used to fund his projects.
“Honestly, up to now I have not received that money, and I have not been given anything of the funds he said he would give me, but I thank God because I had a little, and that little I had is what I have used for my projects,” he said.
He noted that his projects have continued to come out with quality despite the absence of support from his former label.
On that note, he also teased his upcoming EP, set to drop on Friday night, urging his fans to stream it massively and keep him riding the charts.
“I am working on my projects, as you can see, and they are coming out with high quality. Therefore, the small savings I had is what I have been using to do my work, and I have not received anything from him. My new EP will even be released on Friday night, so my fans should stay alert,” Lavalava added, urging fans to watch out for his upcoming music.
Vendettas
The musician also addressed perceptions of discord within the music industry, stating that he has maintained unity with fellow artistes and sees no benefit in rivalry or vendettas.
He recalled that he never wished to hold grudges against anyone while at WCB and insisted that the Tanzanian music industry can only match the scale of the Nigerian music industry if artistes continue to collaborate and support one another.
“Also, regarding other Tanzanian artistes having conflicts, you should look at how I did not have any disagreements while I was in the WCB label, and also look at Nigerian artistes and how united they are. That is why I have no beefs with anyone. So I advise that there is no point in having beef because we do not have any; that is how music grows,” he added.