Joel Lwaga and Diamond Platnumz gospel collab receives massive support amid criticism
By Valerian Khakayi, September 25, 2026Tanzanian gospel singer Joel Lwaga has celebrated the growing reception of his collaboration with Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz, just days after the gospel project sparked criticism from fellow musician Bahati Bukuku.
The two artistes teamed up on ‘Nikumbuke,’ a prayer-themed gospel song released on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Lwaga took to social media to celebrate the song’s performance, revealing that it had garnered 500,000 views on YouTube in less than 24 hours.
“CHINI YA MASAA 24 #UNIKUMBUKE” is a national anthem. 500K Views on YouTube NO 1 kwenye Platform zote!” Lwaga wrote.
He went on to thank listeners for supporting the song, attributing its reception to God.
“Ahsanteni sana Mungu awabariki! Imagine Hii ni AUDIO tu! Glory to GOD. Ahsanteni sana,” he added.
Lwaga also tagged Diamond in the post, referring to him as his brother and inviting him to see the milestone.
The collaboration has attracted attention partly because of the different musical backgrounds of the two artistes. Lwaga is known for his gospel music, while Diamond has built his career largely around bongo flava and afropop.
Bahati Bukuku criticises gospel collaboration
The strong reception comes shortly after veteran Tanzanian gospel musician Bahati Bukuku questioned collaborations between gospel artistes and secular musicians.
Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, September 24, Bukuku said she personally could not collaborate with secular artistes because of her spiritual convictions.
“I don’t think light and darkness go together; I cannot do that,” Bukuku said, while emphasising that her position was based on her personal beliefs.
She also acknowledged that other artistes were free to make their own decisions.
“Mimi sina mtazamo, aitazame mtu mwenyewe anayeamua, kila mtu ako na maamuzi yake,” she said, making it clear that she was expressing her own spiritual perspective rather than dictating what other musicians should do.
‘Nikumbuke’ message
‘Nikumbuke,’ which translates to ‘Remember Me’, centres on faith, patience, and waiting on God for blessings and provision.
In the song, Lwaga presents a prayer asking God to remember him while blessing others, reflecting on the experience of waiting for a personal breakthrough.
The collaboration has therefore generated conversation beyond its performance numbers, with the pairing of a gospel minister and a mainstream Bongo Flava star prompting debate about the boundaries between gospel and secular music.
For now, Lwaga is focusing on the song’s reception, celebrating the 500,000 YouTube views and what he described as a No. 1 position across platforms.