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Esma Platnumz says Diamond is every gospel artiste’s dream amid Joel Lwaga collab backlash
29th September, 2026 03:51 PM
Diamond’s sister has hit back at a critic questioning his collaboration with Tanzanian gospel artiste Joel Lwaga on their prayer-themed song, dubbed ‘Nikumbuke’.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Esma Platnumz dismissed criticism of the collaboration, stating that Diamond remains a highly sought-after collaborator, including among gospel artistes.
“Naseeb ni ndoto ya kila Gospel ya kila mtu waongo ni wivu tuu,” she added.
Responding to a critic, Esma questioned why anyone would have a problem with Diamond, also known as Naseeb, working with Lwaga, adding that those opposed to it were driven by jealousy.
“Siku za mnafiki ni chache tuu hapo kuna ubaya gani hapo wivu tu ungekuwa wewe ungekataa kuimba na Diamond,” Esma said.
Esma’s remarks came as debate continued over Diamond and Lwaga’s decision to combine Bongo Flava and Gospel music.
Backlash over Diamond and Lwaga collaboration
Diamond and Lwaga released Nikumbuke on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, bringing together the Bongo Flava star and the Tanzanian gospel artiste on a prayer-themed song.
The collaboration has attracted mixed reactions, with some gospel artistes questioning partnerships between gospel musicians and secular artistes.
Veteran gospel singer Rose Muhando recently explained why she would not personally collaborate with secular artistes, saying she would only do so if she believed she had received divine direction to take that step.
Gospel artiste Bahati Bukuku has also spoken against such collaborations, explaining that she personally could not work with secular artistes because of her spiritual convictions.
The song has nevertheless received support from fans and other artistes, with some praising the message behind the collaboration.
Diamond on working with Lwaga
Diamond has also responded to the criticism, explaining why he agreed to collaborate with Lwaga.
The singer acknowledged that while many people had embraced the song, others had reservations about the partnership.
“Tunatazama, tuna macho tunaona. Wengi wamefurahia jambo hilo wamelipenda sana, lakini pia wengine ambao wapo walikosoka na mmoja au mwingine,” Diamond said.
He explained that his intention was to reach people who may not already understand or engage with the message, rather than restricting it to an audience that was already familiar with it.
Diamond compared the approach to the work of Jesus and his apostles, saying they went out to reach people instead of waiting for them to come to them.
“If you avoid people who already understand, how will others understand?” he asked.
The singer also cited a church in Tandale, saying its location was intentional because it sought to reach people in the area and help them change.
He said the same principle informed his decision to work with Lwaga.
“Ni lazima uwafate,” Diamond added.
The collaboration has continued to generate debate, with some gospel artistes raising concerns about working with secular musicians, while Diamond has maintained that the partnership provides an opportunity to reach a wider audience with its message.
