DIAMOND PLATINUMZ’s BET MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATION AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR TANZANIAN ARTISTS,MUSIC INDUSTRY AND COUNTRY

Three days ago when news that Tanzania’s own Diamond Platinumz has been nominated for BET Music Awards 2014, I was one among thousands [it could be millions] of music fans across African and beyond who felt good and excited.  Social Networks went crazy for some hours. Diamond was sort of trending. I congratulated him and had a little chat with him about the nomination. He was flying high and now on world stage…so to say.

Although we can no longer label him as an underdog, we all know that Diamond who is now also known as Dangote [well wishers for him to become as rich as Aliko Dangote-Africa’s richest man], started from the bottom. If Drake’s song “Started From the Bottom” was to have an actual meaning, Diamond’s life could mean business. The story of his life is inspirational from anyone giving up somewhere. You could be from where he came from and still make it. Therefore, his nomination meant INSPIRATIONAL as well. Well done.

I continue to join the music fans and well-wishers to congratulate him on this important nomination and wish him all the best on June 29^th.

The BET AWARDS is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The BET AWARDS franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET’s #1 telecast every year.

That simply means, it is a big deal to be nominated for these awards. Then, what does it mean for Tanzania, Tanzanian Music, and Tanzanian Artists and specifically to Diamond Platinumz himself? Here are some of the things I could quickly come up as to what Diamond’s Nomination for BET Awards and What It Means for Himself and Tanzanian Music

• As he has mentioned in a message when interviewed by Blogger, Jestina George, it is an honor for him and definitely for Tanzania. BET Music Awards 2014 includes only 6 Artists or Groups from Africa. Now, if you can seat back a little and imagine how many artists are there in Africa and who would have jubilated for the same nod, you will better understand what I am talking about. It means miles and miles away music from Tanzania[we are still struggling with “Tanzanian Music”] is heard and appreciated.

• It is the golden opportunity for Diamond and other Tanzanian artists, to make that “international” connection with other artists in the world [especially American artists who are without a doubt dominating global music stage]. If Diamond ever had a dream for a “collabo” with American artists, this is his chance to make that dream happen. I am sure his management is already busy looking into all that. For other artists, you cannot only learn from his path, but can also use the same path to push your music forward.

• Recognition at an international platform for Tanzanian music or simply music from Tanzania. As I said above, it means someone who had never heard of any music from Tanzania, will be interested to listen. The curiosity has now built up. They won’t be looking for just Number One but many other tunes from Tanzania. It means more people will know what “Bongo Fleva” genre is or mean.

• Greater coverage for Bongo Fleva. As you know, BET Awards are broadcasted internationally. More people will tune in and hear about Diamond Platinumz, Tanzania, Bongo Fleva etc.

• It shows patience, hard work and faith in God pays. Let’s face it,Diamond works hard [he party hard as well-you know]. He is patient and calculates his moves pretty well. He knows his value as an artist or entertainer and sets standards for himself and encourages the rest to follow his footsteps. Instead of just complaining [well they have a right to] about copyright and less sales, look for other avenues and venues. Music is a global business. Go past the mentality of selling CDs and Tapes on the streets of Kariakoo and Downtown. Market yourself and your brand online and internationally. There is no doubt that Diamond’s collaboration or remix for Number One with Davido played a part in promoting Number One. I am not saying every artist now should look at who to collaborate with in Nigeria.Nah! Africa is big.

• His nomination presents another opportunity to advertise Tanzania as one of world’s best tourism and vacation destination. I hope people from Tourism sectors capitalize on these kinds of platforms through artists and music. Diamond[ I am hoping he won’t miss the Red Carpet experience in LA] will meet a lot of other artists and super-stars. They will want to know where he is from [let’s not forget to some folks Tanzania might as well mean Tasmania]. When they ask him, what if he has business cards with url www.visittanzania.com at the back?Huh?

• Artists don’t be afraid to spend for quality. Number One video cost a little bit more money than usual to make, right? Is that investment paying off? You bet it does. Instead of spending a lot of money trying to be Gucci and Louis V[when you actually can’t afford], save some of that money for bigger projects. Dare to Dream.

• Last but not least, it means you will probably soon be paying more to see Diamond perform. I know that is not something you’d like to hear but it is a fact. Be prepared. He is now BET Awards Nominee…and he might as well win.

Be Sociable, Share!