‎Diamond Platnumz and Mbosso clash over “Pawa” song credits

Dar es Salaam. The feud between Diamond Platnumz and his former Wasafi signee Mbosso escalated this week, with both artistes taking to Instagram to defend their contributions, reputations, and professional boundaries.

Diamond used Instagram Stories to clarify his role as Mbosso’s mentor and to defend himself against allegations of jealousy and misconduct. He insisted he never intended for the disagreement to spill into the public domain.

“I never wanted this on social media… I called you and sent messages… I showed you with proof that there is no benefit for me here besides being unfairly blamed,” wrote Diamond Platnumz.

He stressed that disagreements within record labels are normal, remarking: “When an artiste leaves a label, don’t expect everyone to react the same way… some people may react in ways that aren’t right.”

Diamond reminded Mbosso that he had once tried to dissuade him from working with Rayvanny, but Mbosso declined, showing that collaborations outside Wasafi should not be regarded as acts of betrayal.

Responding to accusations of jealousy over the hit song Pawa, Diamond asked:

“Why would I be jealous of you for anything? What would it help me? Should I seek fame through Pawa? Has Pawa been more successful than Sele in the country? Did you write it alone?”

He further claimed to have made significant contributions to Mbosso’s music and disclosed that he had provided financial support.

“Almost 90 percent of all your songs I have written… from 40 percent, 50 percent of some songs, and for others even up to 90 percent — the hooks, verses, arrangements, and all details,” he wrote.

“You left Wasafi even though I hadn’t charged you a single shilling… I could have claimed Sh323,250,000 i lent you from my own pocket, but I gave it to you as my contribution to start your career.”

Mbosso responds

Mbosso maintained a calm and respectful tone, reiterating his gratitude for Diamond’s mentorship while rejecting suggestions of jealousy or disloyalty. On Instagram, he wrote:

“I have been repeatedly trying to warn you about Baba Levo… and your response was ‘let him be, my young brother’… I understood you before, but now this is too much…”

He insisted he had never been envious of Diamond:

“I have never said I am jealous of you… I cannot say I am jealous… you are a great artiste to me and an excellent leader on my musical journey to where I am… you surpass me in everything, so how could I be jealous? It’s impossible and I know you don’t have that mindset.”

“My respect for you lasts until the day I die,” he added, clarifying that he would not take responsibility for statements made by Baba Levo.

Mbosso further addressed the impression that he had kept silent for too long.

“It seems like you have held things in your heart for a long time but never found the right moment to express them… now you see the opportunity, here it is.”

He reminded fans that while collaborations outside Wasafi were common, he had always contributed to the label’s success:

“When you are a Wasafi artiste, it is normal to create your own song from start to finish and bring it to the label for corrections… because you are a leader, an excellent songwriter, and more experienced than me… personally, I am very grateful.”

 How it all started

The dispute erupted when Baba Levo publicly demanded that Mbosso credit 50 percent of Pawa to Diamond, commenting: “Give us our melody.”

Mbosso insisted he wrote the song himself, claiming Diamond’s input was minimal. He also pointed out that he had supported Diamond on previous projects without demanding credit.

Pawa has since become a major hit, garnering over 24 million views on YouTube within just one month.

This is not the first time Diamond has been embroiled in online disputes with former Wasafi artistes. A few years ago, he clashed with Harmonize, who left the label under acrimonious circumstances. Harmonize accused Diamond of undermining his independence and restricting his creative freedom, while Diamond maintained that his actions reflected standard mentorship and label management.

Like the current fallout with Mbosso, the feud played out on Instagram, underscoring the recurring tensions when artistes part ways with Wasafi.