Rwandan singer The Ben has described Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz as a role model whose career inspires him to expand his own musical ambitions, ahead of their joint performance at a concert in Kampala, Uganda, on Friday, October 30.
Ben made the remarks during a press conference held on Thursday, October 29, ahead of a concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of Comedy Store Uganda, organised by Ugandan comedian Alex Muhangi, according to Imvaho Nshya.
Speaking about Diamond Platnumz, The Ben praised the Tanzanian musician’s achievements and described him as an example for other artists seeking to develop their careers and reach wider audiences.
“I don’t know if he gets the recognition he deserves, because he is like a book to us as artists. He is a book I read every day, looking to him as a role model as I work to expand my music career,” The Ben said.
Diamond Platnumz also expressed excitement about sharing the stage with The Ben, particularly because they will have another opportunity to perform their popular collaboration, “Why.”
“I am very excited. I am tired of waiting. I cannot go on stage and leave without performing our song, ‘Why.’ Every time we perform it, I see how much you people love it. I cannot wait for us to share the stage,” Diamond said.
The two musicians established their musical partnership in January 2022 with the release of “Why,” a collaboration that brought together Rwandan and Tanzanian musical talent.
They later performed the song together at the Trace Awards, held at BK Arena in Kigali on October 21, 2023.
The artists reunited on stage on May 24, 2025, during the Coffee Marathon Concert at Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamaire, Uganda.
The concert, organised by Inspire Africa Group in partnership with other organisations, was part of an initiative aimed at supporting rural women involved in coffee farming.
Their upcoming performance in Kampala will bring them together again as Comedy Store Uganda celebrates 10 years of organising entertainment events.
Founded in 2016 by comedian Alex Muhangi, Comedy Store Uganda has become a platform for comedy and music performances featuring entertainers from Uganda and other countries.
The anniversary concert is scheduled for Friday, October 30, at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala, bringing together musicians and comedians from across East Africa.
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