Tanzanian music icon Naseeb Abdul Juma, popularly known as Diamond Platnumz, has etched his name in history as the first artist from Sub-Saharan Africa to surpass 10 million subscribers on YouTube. This monumental achievement earned him the prestigious Diamond Creator Award, a coveted YouTube Play Button, recognizing his unparalleled influence in the digital music space.
The Bongo Flava superstar, celebrated for his romantic melodies and urban beats, reached this milestone in June 2025, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in African music. According to reports, Diamond’s YouTube channel, active since 2011, has amassed over 2.8 billion total views, with hits like “Yope Remix,” “Waah,” and “Jeje” driving his global appeal. His engaging content, including high-production music videos and behind-the-scenes footage, has resonated with a massive Swahili-speaking audience and fans across the continent and beyond.
YouTube’s Diamond Creator Award, introduced in 2015, is granted to channels that reach 10 million subscribers and comply with the platform’s community guidelines. The award, a sleek metal trophy featuring a play button symbol, was presented to Diamond while he was in the United States, where he also met with prominent promoters, hinting at upcoming international shows.
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What Does the YouTube Diamond Award Mean to Diamond Platnumz?
This achievement marks another milestone in Diamond’s illustrious career. In 2020, he became the first Sub-Saharan African artist to hit 1 billion views on YouTube, and by 2022, he had surpassed 2 billion views. His consistent output and innovative approach, including collaborations with artists like Davido, Koffi Olomide, and Innoss’B, have kept him at the forefront of the industry.
Despite facing challenges, such as a temporary YouTube account suspension in 2022 due to a hacking incident, Diamond’s fanbase has remained steadfast. His channel’s success is a testament to his hard work, showmanship, and ability to transcend language barriers with Bongo Flava’s universal appeal.
Diamond’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but a moment of pride for East Africa, challenging West Africa’s dominance in global music exports. As he continues to break barriers, his Diamond Creator Award symbolizes the growing influence of African artists on the world stage.