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Why I don’t feature in local awards – Diamond Platnumz

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Multi-award-winning Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz has shed light on why he has shunned featuring in many music awards from his home country.

Diamond Platnumz, while speaking in a wide-ranging interview at a press briefing, recently said he distanced himself from most awards because he was sceptical of their credibility.

‘’Do you know why I wouldn’t have wanted to be involved? Because the awards were managed in a way that was not fair,’’ the 34-year-old Mapoz crooner said.

His absence from local music awards was particularly noticeable in 2023, when he won Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

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He beat music heavyweights across the continent, such as Burna Boy and Asake from Nigeria and South African DJ Tyler ICU.

But back home in Tanzania, he was not featured in most local awards for best male artist.

Diamond also said that he distanced himself from local awards because of the problem of artist control.

‘’You know I do not want awards out of sympathy; when I deserve it, give it to me, when I don’t, then deny me. Most of the time, the organising committee wants to control you. At my age, I can’t do that,’’ he said at the press conference.

Awards organisers in Tanzania deny claims of impartiality, saying awards are given to artists who have applied and presented their materials to be screened by a jury panel.

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Critics of Diamond have accused him of being an artist who struggles to play by the rules.

Last year, he was banned by Tanzania’s music regulatory board, Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA), from performing any shows or organising any concerts in Tanzania.

BASATA announced the ban after the Diamond performed “Mwanza” in Tanzania. Mwanza was released in 2018 and outlawed by authorities for its highly explicit content.

Diamond’s team told fans on social media at the time that efforts were being made to resolve the ban and put all of Diamond’s shows back on schedule.

Diamond says his music goals have gone beyond clutching local awards, as he has his eyes set on claiming the global music stage for Tanzanian music.

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He also took a swipe at Nigerian show promoters, whom he says underestimate him as an artist.

“Nigerians have a habit of underestimating you, even though they know your power. So when a show comes up, I say I want this much. If you don’t want to, I won’t go. That’s it. Short and clear.’’

Conversations around Diamond’s absence at local awards have reared up, especially as the music awards season for 2024 fast approaches.

Nominees for major music awards events across the continent are scheduled to be announced before the middle of the year, and music fans in Tanzania hope Diamond Platnumz will be on the nominees list, getting all the awards that he truly deserves.

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Portable slams Saheed Osupa for removing song over copyright dispute

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Portable Saheed Osupa copyright dispute

Portable criticises Saheed Osupa for reporting his song over copyright issues, sparking a viral rant on social media

 

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has sparked a heated dispute with veteran Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, accusing him of taking down his song from major streaming platforms over copyright infringement.

The altercation began when Osupa reportedly raised concerns over Portable using a line from one of his songs without permission, prompting the removal of the track from Spotify and Apple Music.

In a viral Instagram video posted on Wednesday, Portable lashed out at the veteran Fuji artist, expressing his frustration over the incident. “Saheed Osupa, you are big for nothing. If you can’t embrace me, I will drag you,” he declared, addressing the alleged snub and criticism from Osupa.

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The issue arose when Portable incorporated a line from Osupa’s song into his own music, which led to Osupa filing a copyright complaint.

According to reports, Osupa and his distributors objected to the use of the sample, ultimately resulting in the track’s removal from popular streaming platforms.

Portable, who is known for his unapologetic and controversial public persona, went on to compare the incident with a similar situation involving another prominent musician, Pasuma.

“The same way I used a line from your music is the same way I removed three verses from Pasuma’s song. But Pasuma never reported my song,” Portable said, indicating that Pasuma had taken a more supportive approach despite the music overlap.

In his rant, Portable also praised Pasuma, calling him a “good man” for embracing him, unlike Osupa, who he described as a “big for nothing fellow.”

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He emphasised the differences in how the two artists had responded to similar situations, contrasting Pasuma’s willingness to collaborate and support him with Osupa’s decision to challenge his use of the sampled lyrics.

Portable’s comments have since sparked widespread debate on social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the copyright issue and the dynamics of support within the Nigerian music industry.

While some agree with Portable’s stance, others argue that artists have the right to protect their intellectual property.

The ongoing clash between Portable and Saheed Osupa highlights the complexities of copyright law in the music industry and the challenges artists face when it comes to collaboration and permission.

It also raises questions about the role of established musicians in nurturing and supporting younger, emerging talents.

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As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the two artists will come to a resolution or whether the tension will escalate further, continuing to fuel discussions within the Nigerian music scene.

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Lady Gaga slams ageism in pop music industry at 2025 iHeartRadio music awards

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Lady Gaga ageism

At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Lady Gaga criticised ageism in pop music, declaring that being in her late 30s should not be seen as “old” for a pop star

 

American singer Lady Gaga has strongly criticized the ageism prevalent in the pop music industry, particularly the idea that women in their late 30s are considered “old” for a pop star.

The 38-year-old superstar made this bold statement while accepting the Innovator Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.

Reflecting on her career during the award acceptance speech, Gaga expressed how difficult it was to fathom receiving an honour at the age of 38. She challenged the industry’s narrow perception of age, especially for women in the spotlight.

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“I don’t know totally how to think about this because winning an award honouring my entire career at 38 years old is a hard thing to get my head around,” Gaga said.

“The world might consider a woman in her late 30s old for a pop star, which is insane, but I promise you I’m just getting warmed up,” she added, making it clear that her journey in music was far from over.

Gaga’s comments sparked conversations about the unrealistic standards imposed on women in the music industry, especially regarding their age. Her powerful words continue to challenge the stereotypes that often limit the careers of women as they age.

In other news from the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Nigerian singers Burna Boy and Tems, who were nominated for the inaugural World Artist Of The Year award, lost out to South African artist Tyla.

Despite the loss, their nominations marked significant milestones for African music on the global stage.

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Honey Berry accuses singer Portable of threatening her life amid child custody dispute

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Portable Honey Berry child custody threat

Honey Berry accuses Portable of threatening her life in an ongoing child custody dispute, claiming her son has nothing to learn from him

 

In a dramatic turn of events, Honey Berry, the third baby mama of Nigerian singer Portable, has publicly accused the singer of threatening her life amid their ongoing child custody dispute. The controversy dates back to January 2023, when Berry initially accused Portable of neglecting their son, Akorede Badmus.

The latest outburst came on Monday when Berry took to Instagram to share a threatening message allegedly sent to her by the singer. According to Berry, Portable’s words were not only aggressive but a direct threat to her safety.

In her post, she urged the public to hold the controversial singer accountable should anything happen to her or their son.

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Berry’s statement highlighted her belief that Portable’s behaviour and lifestyle offered no positive examples for their child. “My son has nothing to learn from you,” she stated, criticising Portable for his perceived neglect and lack of responsibility.

This was a sharp response to Portable’s claims that he had not seen his son in two years but had previously sent money for his upkeep.

The singer’s alleged message to Berry included the words: “Bring my son before I make life tire you. Hope you get a lawyer. I no see my son for two years now.

I dey sent food money before, but as you no bring my son how you go collect money again. Bring my son before I say make them dey look for you.”

Firing back at Portable, Honey Berry was quick to label his message as a direct threat, stating: “You stated that you want nothing to do with me and my son. If you do not want misfortune in your life, don’t ever threaten me again.”

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Berry further warned the singer that any harm that befalls her or their son should be attributed to him. She also declared, “If you go low, I will go lower. If you bring fire to my door, I will bring hell to yours.”

Despite the tension, Berry made it clear that if Portable truly wanted a relationship with his son, he should not be selective about when he chooses to act as a father. She added:

“Even if you want a relationship with your son, you don’t pick or choose when you want to be a father. My son has nothing to learn from you. The evidence full ground.”

This public dispute between Honey Berry and Portable has raised serious concerns about the singer’s behaviour and his involvement in his child’s life. While Berry insists that her son deserves better, the custody battle is likely to continue as tensions escalate between the two.

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