Last month, Diamond Platnumz was nominated for a Black Entertainment (BET) award under the international act category, a very prestigious nomination. But it seems receiving the award may be just a dream for the king of Bongo Flava after a petition has been launched to bar him from receiving the award.
As of today, 19,000 people have signed an online petition to disqualify Diamond from the BET Awards. The petition was published by Change Tanzania, a social movement focused on bringing positive and sustainable change in Tanzania. On change.org, The ‘Waah’ hitmaker is being accused of using his artistry and influence to publicly support the autocratic rule of the late president John Magufuli.
“Diamond Platnumz is a world-renowned Tanzania music 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 of Dar -es-Salaam who has 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.” the petition reads in part.
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. BET Awards 2021 is scheduled for Sunday, June 27, with a live show audience from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
