IMGL6187.JPGI was among industry professionals invited to the launch of Diamond Platnumz’s debut album: “A Boy From Tandale” – held last night (March 14th 2018) at the Kenya National Theatre. As the girl about town and Super Publicist I was super keen to attend and review the event. I think the venue choice was cool and a central location but I wish they instead threw a major concert at an open space like Carnivore so all people and fans could attend and even pay in – they would throng! I am sure Diamond didn’t have much of a say since the event was sponsored by Safaricom’s new music platform SONGA. If they had more space, it means more people would have been accommodated. Got so many calls from people who wanted invites but the venue and list was already over capacity and I wasn’t involved but was just a guest.

The Theatre however gave Diamond and opportunity to play around with the set design that would change from time to time depending on the songs he performed and vibes. That was cool. There were also two white couches on the stage where he would sit occasionally and be interviewed by Maina Kageni. This part of the show was quite unique for an event that many assumed would just be a concert. Certain parts of the interviews brought out the real heart and soul of the boy from Tandale. Diamond recounted the time he made a transition in his career. He said: “I had spent 3,000 USD on my previous video and then went on to spend 30,000 USD on ‘Number One’ with Davido”—what would become his biggest record and breakthrough in Africa’s music industry. He also recounted meeting and working with Rick Ross, expounding that at first Rozay thought he was just another shady boy but after seeing Diamond’s ambition and professional conduct at their music video – Rozay even cancelled his flight the next day to add some additional shots for their video.

I loved all of Diamond’s outfits and so proud of my friend – Super Stylist: Brian Babu for the great work. Maina Kageni’s suit was atrocious. Hi co-host Jalas also did a great job. The three highest moments of the night was when Diamond performed with an orchestra; when Team Wasafi artistes took to the stage and when Diamond introduced his unreleased video featuring Omarion and as Omarion’s part came on – he jumped right from the stage’s under pass into the event. It was ecstatic and the crowd went crazy! The two performed their new single “African Beauty” as some models strutted the stage in their African attires. It was a dope launch and I applaud the team for creating a worthy experience.

Diamond is signed to Universal Music Group and his album will have 10 new songs. It features among African stars: Vanessa Mdee, Flavour, Davido, Jah Prayzah, Rayvanny, Tiwa Savage and P – Square.

BONUS: I also did a report for Not Just Ok from his press conference. Read it here