Diamond Platnumz, real name Naseeb Abdul Juma, performs at the launch of betting firm Game Tosha in Thika Stadium on December 2, 2018. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO.
When Komasava first hit the airwaves, its infectious beat and multilingual blend quickly turned it into a global anthem.
When you hear the song booming from speakers or see fans dancing to its infectious beat, you wouldn’t imagine the journey it took to become a worldwide sensation.
A journey of rejection, resilience, and ultimate triumph.
In a recent interview with DW, Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz reveals that Komasava, now a worldwide hit, was once dismissed as “trash” by his own distributors, Warner Music Group (WMG).
As part of his deal with WMG, Diamond was required to submit songs for approval before release. Confident in Komasava’s potential, he submitted the track, expecting it to be greenlit. Instead, he received a surprising rejection.
“When I submitted that song to my distributors, which is Warner, they didn’t want it. They said it’s trash,” Diamond discloses.
For many artistes, such feedback might have been a deal-breaker. But Diamond saw things differently. He went back to the studio, gave the song another listen, and doubled down on his belief in its potential.
“Why don’t they understand this song? This song is a hit,” he told himself. Trusting his instincts, he decided to release it independently, a move that would prove transformative.
Komasava quickly broke barriers, blending Bongo Flava with a global appeal through lyrics in seven different languages. The song not only captivated fans across continents but also made history by becoming the first Tanzanian track to chart on the prestigious Billboard charts in the United States.
The remix featuring pop star Jason Derulo amplified its reach further, garnering over 31 million views on YouTube since its release in June.
Ironically, WMG had a change of heart after witnessing the track’s monumental success. But Diamond wasn’t about to overlook their initial rejection.
“Now, after the song came out, they want it. I told my manager, ‘I don’t want them to have this song because they refused it,’” he shares, clearly relishing the vindication.
Komasava has drawn attention from global heavyweights, including American rapper Swae Lee, R&B legend Jason Derulo, and even Chris Brown, who joined the song’s viral dance challenge.
More than just a hit, Komasava has become a cultural phenomenon, redefining Tanzanian music on the world stage.
Diamond Platnumz’s story is one of unshakeable confidence and perseverance. In the face of rejection from an industry giant, he trusted his creative instincts, turning doubt into determination and ultimately creating a masterpiece.
So the next time Komasava gets you on your feet, remember: what was once dismissed as “trash” is now a global treasure, proving that resilience and belief in one’s vision can turn setbacks into stepping stones for success.
