This past weekend, the rivalry between two bongo music heavyweights, Diamond Platnumz and Ali Kiba, attracted fans and spurred discussions among music lovers.
The newest songs from both artists were released last week.
Tension increased when Diamond boasted on Instagram about having achieved success without arranging interviews or planning promotional events for his single Enjoy with Juma Jux.
After three of his songs occupied the top three positions on the trending charts, Diamond made a subtly directed statement to his fellow musicians.
“Just a reminder, the one trending at number one is just the audio for Enjoy. No interviews or excessive parties needed, it’s happening today. The music video is on the way,” Diamond said.
He appeared to have been addressing Ali Kiba, who had recently collaborated with Marioo in the song Sumu, released on July 14. Both Ali Kiba and Marioo actively engaged in various interviews to generate buzz around their new release.
In response, Ali Kiba assured his fans that the party would continue without being deterred by Diamond’s remarks.
“Maparty mafululu kama asemavyo bwana mdogo Kwevo, yanaendelea baadaye pale Elements (The parties will go on as our little brother Kwevo says, later at Elements),” he said.
Diamond recently revealed his plans to make a grand comeback to the music scene in July 2023, coinciding with his mother’s birthday month.
The Baikoko hitmaker declared that collaborations could be expected from him starting next month, promising to trend at number one until January 2024.
Thereafter, he said he would pass the mantle to his Wasafi signees, whom he holds in high regard and respects greatly.
Diamond has in the past addressed his long-standing beef with bongo singer Ali Kiba.
In 2022, during an interview with Wasafi TV, Diamond said that he realized that their disagreements revolved around trivial matters such as fanbase and popularity.
“In my thoughts today, I’ve pondered deeply, and I’ve come to realize that the beef between Kiba and me is rooted in immaturity and youthful rivalry over fans,” he said back then.
During the interview, Diamond revealed that their dispute initially arose when Kiba declined to collaborate with him on the song Lala Salama.
However, Diamond said he respects Kiba for his ability to maintain his status in the industry.
“There is a vast market out there, and instead of fighting over fans within the country, I am cool with everyone,” Ali Kiba said.
