Bongo star Diamond Platnumz found himself in a tricky spot during an impromptu street interview that’s now making rounds on social media.
While casually strolling through a European city dressed to impress in a black shirt, layered chains, dark trousers, and slick boots, Diamond was stopped by a TikTok content creator looking for a quick chat. But what started as a simple meet-and-greet quickly spiraled into confusion — and controversy.
The interviewer, phone in hand, began with a seemingly easy question: “Who am I chilling here with?” But Diamond appeared puzzled and leaned in, clearly struggling to catch the phrase. After a couple more attempts — including the direct “What’s your name?” — the artist finally introduced himself. Complimented on his outfit, Diamond humbly responded, “I don’t know the brand name. I just bought it. Just came from Balenciaga to buy some stuff.”
But the moment turned even more uncomfortable when the TikToker asked if fashion mattered in relationships — a question Diamond also struggled to follow. Thankfully, his publicist stepped in, cutting the interview short after learning it was for TikTok.
Watch the video below;
The clip quickly went viral, and reactions online were as fiery as ever.
Some netizens were quick to mock Diamond’s English skills:
• Layboynextdoor: “He is not from Africa, he is from Tanzania.”
• Roberto Roberto: “Diamond is not from Africa, he’s Tanzanian, a small village in Kenya.”
• HappeningKing: “I pray Kenyans don’t see this post.”
• Precioustouch: “English is hard for Diamond.”
But others rushed to the star’s defense, slamming the interviewer’s approach:
• user5328408974581: “The idea that one has to be fluent in English to be considered ‘intellectual’ is mad. We are still colonised mentally.”
• NRB DAILY™: “I don’t do Diamond’s songs, but I think the interviewer knew what he was doing (embarrassing him) until that lady realised.”
• 𝕮𝖍𝖎𝖈𝖔: “The intention of the interview… ehem, bro! He’s mumbling instead of talking! If I were Platnumz, I’d respond in deep Tanzanian Swahili unapologetically.”
Whether it was a language barrier, poor audio, or an intentional setup, the encounter has once again reignited the conversation around language, celebrity, and how we treat non-native English speakers in global media.
One thing’s for sure — Diamond Platnumz knows how to make headlines, even when he doesn’t say much.
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
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