More than 18,000 people have signed an online petition to have Tanzanian;musician, Diamond Platnumz disqualified from the BET Awards on 27th June, where he is nominated for ‘Best International Act’.
The petition was published by Change Tanzania, a social movement;focused on bringing positive and sustainable change in the East African country. The petitioners are accusing the ‘Waah’ hitmaker of using his talent and influence;to publicly support the autocratic rule of the late president John Magufuli, who died in March.
“Diamond Platnumz is a world-renowned Tanzanian artist who;used his popularity and his talent to whitewash and deodorize the brutal;repression of the late dictator John Magufuli and his regime. Diamond is also a close friend and business ally of Paul Makonda, the former governor who;openly persecuted and cracked down on LGBTI people. Makonda has also been designated in 2020 by the US State Department for gross;violations of human rights including cracking down on freedom of expression and association”. Also,.
More details in the statement
Change Tanzania in the statement further noted that “Diamond Platnumz is a self-avowed CCM [Chama Cha Mapinduzi] party member and was the lead musician for the CCM campaign in 2015 and 2020.
“In 2020, despite a huge outcry locally and internationally against Magufuli;and his regime, Diamond endorsed this brutal dictator, dedicated a song to him;(‘Magufuli Baba Lao’) and several times took to stage with him during the campaign”. Also,. Meanwhile
Other reasons highlighted in the petition include the musician’s;failure to show solidarity with his fellow artists, including rappers Roma Mkatoliki and Nay Wa Mitego, who were arrested;in 2017 for using music as a call to action against human rights abuses and authoritarian rule in the country. Also,. Meanwhile.
“Diamond Platnumz chose to protect and expand his personal and business interest;by praising and using his star power to soften the image of a brutal dictator and his collaborators”. Also,. Meanwhile,. Also,. Again,. Also,
Change Tanzania
Change Tanzania believes that “once BET independently verifies these facts, it;will be clear that Diamond Platnumz does not deserve any recognition in these prestigious awards”. That notwithstanding,. Also,. Meanwhile,.
That notwithstanding, Change Tanzania was started by Tanzanian communication expert and media personality Maria Sarungi Tsehai. It has spearheaded impressive social media campaigns, including a call;to repeal a section of the Financial Act, which authorizes a SIM card tax in Tanzania, and an ongoing;petition against the Cybercrimes Act. Also, Again,.
That aside, last month, Diamond Platnumz, who is currently East Africa’s most successful;musician, signed a 360 strategic partnership deal with Warner Music Group and Ziiki Media. The deal will benefit artists signed under his Wasafi Classic Baby record label; including Mbosso and 2017 BET Award winner Rayvanny.
Meanwhile, the nominees for the 2021 BET Awards Viewer’s Choice: ‘Best New International Act’ has just been announced. Also,.
The list has one of Nigeria’s talented;musicians, Tems and this list comes almost a week after other nominees for the other categories were announced. Tems competes with other artists such as Arlo Parks (UK), Bree Runway;(UK), Bramsito (France), Elaine (South Africa), MC Dricka (Brazil), and Ronisia (France) to win in this category.
Nonetheless, it seems this year’s nomination list is a big win for Nigeria. It can be recalled that The Vaultz Media (TVM) reported that Nigerian superstars;and Grammy-winning artists, Wizkid and Burna Boy have earned nominations for the upcoming 2021 BET Awards. Just like Diamond Platnumz, both superstars got nominated in the ‘Best International Act’ category. Also,. Meanwhile,. Also,
Read also: Diamond Platnumz backlashes Forbes, says their list is ‘Stupid’. Also,. Meanwhile
