This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On July 6, 2020, Diamond Platnumz's father, Mzee Abdul Juma, shared a powerful message with the public about the importance of being a present parent, even if you're not in a relationship with the child's mother.
As a father who was absent from his son's life for many years, Mzee Abdul Juma has first-hand experience with the challenges of reconciling with your children after a long period of separation.
During an interview with a Tanzanian blog, SNS, Mzee Abdul Juma advised some dads to stop being deadbeats and to prioritize their children's well-being.
He emphasized the importance of not putting your children in a difficult position by being absent and then expecting them to welcome you back into their lives.
‘When parents separate, make sure your kids are not on one side, that they are being fed information about you by the other party,' Mzee Abdul Juma said. 'So, when these kids grow up and even become stars (Like his son Diamond Platnumz) things will be said about you, when you want to go back to them.'
He also acknowledged that people may think you didn't help the child and that now you want to go back to them because they have made it.
Despite his own experiences, Mzee Abdul Juma expressed gratitude for the small help he receives from his son, Diamond Platnumz, who is slowly helping him with his business.
‘But what do people want me to do? Diamond was very close with his mother when growing up. His mother is already married to another man. But the small help he gives, I appreciate. He will get more wealth and he will also remember me. Things like cars are not important to me right now, let him first take care of his mother,' Mzee Abdul Juma said.
