This archive report was first published on 12 June 2021.
Published on June 12, 2021, Tanzanian artist Diamond Platinumz's nomination for the Best International Act prize at the forthcoming BET Awards has sparked controversy.
Some Tanzanians have taken to online petitions, calling on the BET Awards to exclude Diamond Platinumz from the competition.
The petitioners argue that Diamond Platinumz has failed to show basic concern and publicly express solidarity with his fellow artists.
However, the Tanzanian government has endorsed Diamond Platinumz's nomination, with one parliamentarian, Nusrat Hanje, urging Tanzanians to support him in his bid for the award.
"Tunaomba Diamond Platnumz asaidiwe kushinda tuzo anayogombea, in the name of the country," MP Nusrat Hanje said.
Diamond Platinumz will be competing against other African artists, including Nigeria's BurnaBoy and Wizkid, for the prestigious award.
