Kenya, June 30 -- In an unexpected situation, Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz became a hot topic online after a street interview in New York was stopped because he had difficulty answering questions in English.
This event happened on June 28, 2025, during the bongo flava artist's media tour in the United States, and it has led to mixed reactions on social media. People are talking about his English skills and his dreams of being successful worldwide.
The video of Diamond struggling to answer questions was shared widely online, sparking different opinions. Some people made fun of his English, while others defended him, pointing out that his talent goes beyond language.
Fans noted that bongo flava, the music style he is famous for, originates from Swahili and does not need English to be popular in Africa.
This is not the first time people have talked about Diamond's English. A meeting with comedian Kevin Hart in 2016 and another interview with singer Jason Derulo in 2024 also received similar attention.
Supporters reminded everyone of his many achievements, such as being the first artist from sub-Saharan Africa to reach one billion views on YouTube and filling stadiums across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
This incident highlights the difficulties African artists face when trying to become known in Western countries, where language skills are often closely watched.
Diamond, who has worked with international stars like Ne-Yo and Koffi Olomide, has expressed his interest in breaking into American music.
His team have not yet spoken about the interview, but the attention has increased his visibility.
As discussions continue, this moment shows the challenges of achieving fame in different cultures and the strength needed to succeed on a global stage.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.