Diamond reveals he was once signed under a label as he sends advice to upcoming artistes

Tanzanian music superstar Diamond Platnumz has opened up about the realities of starting a music career under a record label, urging upcoming artistes to remain patient and trust the process as they work their way to the top.

Speaking during the Zuchu Imbeju Masterclass on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Diamond reflected on the early stages of his career and explained that, like many aspiring musicians, he did not immediately enjoy full control over his earnings.

The singer revealed that when he received his first performance payments, he was still signed to a record label that took a significant share of the money he earned from shows.

According to Diamond, the arrangement saw the label take 60 per cent of his earnings while he retained only 40 per cent.

“And I was in a label when I earned that. So, in all results, I would invest in music. And I was in a label. I remember at that time the label was taking 60 per cent of my earnings and I would get 40 per cent,” he said.

Despite receiving a smaller portion of the income, Diamond said he never allowed the situation to discourage him.

Instead, he remained focused on building his career and ensuring that whatever money came his way was reinvested into music.

The singer explained that many young artistes today expect immediate success and complete financial freedom from the beginning, yet the reality is that most musicians have to go through several stages before reaching the top.

“Artistes should understand that this is how it is when you are starting out. You have to trust the process and keep working hard. Even with the little I was getting, I still invested it back into my music because I believed in what I was doing,” Diamond Platnumz said.

First-ever show

In the same interview, the WCB Wasafi boss shared a personal example from the beginning of his career, revealing that his first paid performance earned him Tsh50,000 (approximately Ksh2,400).

While the amount may seem small compared to the millions he earns today, Diamond said he made a conscious decision to channel the entire sum back into improving his music career.

Rather than spending the money on personal enjoyment, the singer used it to enhance his image and performance package.

He disclosed that part of the money went towards purchasing stylish clothing that would help him stand out on stage and build his brand as an entertainer.

Diamond also invested in dancers, believing that a stronger stage performance would help him secure bigger and better opportunities in the future.

“When I started, I was paid Tsh50,000. And I used that money to do things which I knew could help me elevate my next show,” he said.

“And such things included buying nice flashy T-shirts and such. I also used that money to pay dancers. I mean, all that Tsh50,000 went back into music.”

The singer explained that every investment he made at the time was aimed at ensuring that his next performance would be better than the previous one.

According to Diamond, that mindset of continuously reinvesting in himself played a major role in helping him climb the ranks of the music industry.

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