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Forget Sizzla, think Diamond for Sand Fest

 

Forget about Jamaican reggae musician Sizzla Kalonji performing at this year’s Sand Music Festival because he is not coming. Instead, start thinking about Tanzanian Diamond Platinumz, the man replacing him as the headliner, organisers have announced.

Sizzla was billed to be the key man at the festival scheduled for Sunbird Livingstonia Beach in Salima from October 28 to 30 along with compatriots Bushman, Turbulence and Etana.

However, it was announced in Blantyre at the unveiling of a partnership between organisers Impakt Events and Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) yesterday that the event will be headlined by Diamond Platinumz, real name Naseeb Abdul Juma.

Submitted a video: Tay Grin
Submitted a video: Tay Grin

The Bongo Flava recording artist and singer has done a number of collaborations, including some with Nigerian duo of P-Square.

His popular hits include Number One and Ukimwona, a hit that takes a Pasada touch and should give revellers some good time on the dance floor.

“The Sand Music Festival is in its seventh year. Award winning Tanzanian Diamond is the headliner of this year’s festival,” reads the last part of a statement released at the ceremony.

Earlier,  Impakt Events’ Lucius Banda said: “There are a lot of hearsays on the performers at this year’s Sand Music Festival. But we are yet to come up with a line-up. But this year the event will bounce back bigger and better.”

Banda confirmed that Diamond will be the headline artist at the event when asked to elaborate on the information in the statement.

He also indicated that there are lengthy procedures for Malawians to bring artists of international calibre such as Busy Signal and Sizzla.

Meanwhile, as part of the partnership, TNM has donated K10 million towards the event, becoming the official mobile network and information and communication technology  (ICT) partner for the event.

TNM senior manager (Customer Services) Madalitso Jonazi said the network operator is committed to supporting the country’s arts, cultural and tourism initiatives.

“We are inspired to invest in local initiatives such as Sand Music Festival to contribute to the growth of the country’s arts, culture and tourism industries.

“We believe through this partnership, we have the opportunity to showcase our capability as a wide-reaching network providing high quality service, in respects of data, voice and business services,” he said.

Reacting to the donation, Banda said the money will improve organisation of this year’s festival which seeks to promote the country’s arts, culture and tourism as a whole.

He urged patrons to buy their tickets using the TNM Mpamba mobile money platform to help curb fraud. n

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