While we idolize Zuchu as the unquestionably East African top female artist of all time, her complicated relationship with Diamond Platnumz bristles us with some unsettling questions. What will take Zuchu to cut her aprons permanently with WCB? It was presumed to be a match made in heaven but now we know better: Zuchu is, what we privately gossip: in “friendship with benefits” turmoil with her boss Diamond Platnumz.
Zuchu responded recently in her Instagram account from a fan who was bitter that she was being exploited, she quickly conceded that she was. She alluded that the Almighty God will step in on her rescue, a veiled harbinger that she was beginning to crane her lovely neck and imagine a life after Diamond Platnumz’s tumultuous romance and WCB’s exploitation of her. For unclear reasons, Zuchu’s response was quickly plucked off. We didn’t know where the pressure to delete it was coming from. But we can guess … .
Then she posted a video of herself with Diamond Platnumz disembarking from a small plane after arriving in Singida for the May Day celebration. What was notable was that she was the one whose hand was clutching Diamond’s, indicating who between the two needs the other romantically. Diamond Platnumz’s relationship with Zuchu is a commercial pact first and foremost, with the pleasure piece merely an icing on the cake. It is not the other way around. However, for Zuchu, she wished the other way around was forthcoming. Sadly, life doesn’t work that way.
Despite the innuendos of mending her fractious relationship with Diamond, Platnumz looks like the once thought to be a “dream power couple” is and has always been a house of cards crumbling before our own stunned eyes. This article investigates what it will take to push Zuchu to a cliffhanger and squawk at the harsh reality: that Platnumz is not that much into her except for keeping her as his cash-minting ATM! Let us feast our eyes on this much-talked-about celeb gossip.
Another socialite with a mega following, Mange Kimambi, has labelled Zuchu: “King’ang’a” meaning something like a bite of a leech. You will need to apply tricks to loosen a leech’s bite. It tends to stick with you while sucking your blood in the meantime. Brute force doesn’t work but oil does the magic wand, and a leech prefers the safety of coiling its proboscis rather than risk a life suffocating situation. Oil blocks oxygen access, and leech gasps for air, releasing the vice on human flesh. There are, however, major differences with our own Zuchu which we dash off for now. Zuchu, too, has accepted Mange’s characterization of her, albeit with her own unrealistic twist of fate.
Zuchu in her own “one on one” video with a female I-reporter, advanced one specious claim: neither of them wants to call it a day. They were madly in love. We know balderdash when we see one. This is it!
Many thought after Diamond’s snubbed Zuchu during the Jux- Priscilla Christian wedding in Nigeria she would make tough decisions. She didn’t do our own jitters. If you believe the grapevine, Zuchu had prepared long robes reflecting her own Islam faith, but Diamond misled her that the hired jet was full, While it wasn’t! Strangely, WCB upstarts like D-Voice found space in the private jet but there was no seat found for Zuchu! The dark Web suggested Diamond Platnumz’s head was turned by Nigerian gals….
Still, we saw him dancing with one of our own, whom I will skip her salacious details to scale back the juicy narrative and stay on course of this menu. The best man in the Nigerian Christian wedding posed a question to Diamond Platnumz and another Nigerian gal whether they were married. Both quickly answered in negativity. They were part and parcel of the groomsmen and bridesmaids’ entourage. The gal loudly laughed. Looks like she was angling for it. Then we saw videos of her crooning with Diamond Platnumz. We can only imagine the aftermath….
Can Zuchu ever leave WCB?
Zuchu’s potential departure from WCB Wasafi hinges on a combination of contractual, personal, and professional factors, as indicated by recent developments and historical precedents. Here’s a detailed analysis of what it might take for her to part ways with the label:
- Contractual Obligations and Financial Penalties.
High Termination Fees:
Diamond Platnumz, WCB’s CEO, stated that Zuchu would need to pay Sh10 billion (approximately $4.3 million) to terminate her contract early. This figure reflects the label’s substantial investment in her career, including branding, promotions, and collaborations. However, past precedents involving Rayvanny suggest what pecuniary projection is, and the practicality of milking Zuchu dry will not suffice. Rayvanny walked out of WCB with his musical collections without paying through the nose. I can see Zuchu getting away light,y just like Rayvanny. The problem for WCB is justifying their exorbitant contract termination fee. There is no way they can prove their inflated math. A riposte on this is a future topic to broach.
Precedent Cases:
Former WCB artists like Harmonize paid over Sh500 million to exit in 2019, while Rayvanny left in 2022 after prolonged negotiations. These examples theoretically suggest that Zuchu would need significant financial backing or leverage to negotiate a reduced fee. However, Tanzania politics will not allow WCB to get away with crashing Zuchu’s massive musical career. Never forget all businesses in the world prosper if their relationship with the government in power is excellent, and WCB is no different. The government clout on WCB will force it to make huge concessions on Zuchu’s exit.
- Resolution of Personal and Professional Conflicts.
Harassment Allegations:
Zuchu has accused WCB-affiliated media outlet Wasafi FM of bullying, particularly through the “Mashamsham” show, which mocked her personal life and relationship with Diamond Platnumz. She threatened legal action for a breach of fiduciary trust. This is a legal complex matter which we will evade for now. This matter should work in her favour during negotiations of her terms of departure from the WCB. It will be an overriding mitigating factor. That WCB had created a hostile working environment for her to work amounting to strategic dismissal. Besides, the perpetrators were temporarily interdicted but were reinstated compounding her miseries at work place. One day, I will clarify more on this. Let’s move on.
Diamond Platnumz’s Sullen Silence:
Diamond’s refusal to address these allegations publicly has fueled speculation about their strained relationship. If mediation fails, this rift could push Zuchu to prioritize her mental health and career independence. These are hefty issues that would aid her justifiable cause of departing from the WBC without ruining her financial and reputation portfolios.
- Creative and Brand Autonomy.
Artistic Freedom:
Zuchu’s rapid rise under WCB (e.g., YouTube milestones and collaborations with international stars like Ayra Starr and Bayanni) demonstrates her global appeal. She might seek greater control elsewhere if she feels constrained by the label’s creative direction.
Zuchu has already shown remarkable talent in recognising and tapping into new talents and vendors herself with them on equal footing, as a case study of “Dogo Pateni” has proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Zuchu is not only known for songwriting and singing but has marshalled managerial skills of her own, boosting her chances of making it big in her own label! Her collab with “Dogo Pateni” in a Singeli charts topper “Afande” is an inspirational case in hand.
Ethical Boundaries:
Zuchu previously turned down a Sh250 million alcohol endorsement to align with her Muslim values, showing her willingness to prioritize personal principles over profit. Similar conflicts with WCB’s branding strategies could drive her exit. Another seminal reason to bid farewell to WCB without lost bloodline.
- External Opportunities and Market Leverage.
Global Partnerships:
WCB’s 2021 deal with Warner Music and Ziiki Media expanded its international reach. If Zuchu secures independent offers from global labels or platforms, she might leverage these to negotiate an affordable exit.
Fan and Industry Support:
Public sympathy for her harassment claims and her status as East Africa’s top female artist could empower her to transition smoothly, as seen with Harmonize and Rayvanny.
- Personal Relationships and Extended Family Dynamics.
Romantic Ties with Diamond:
Their rumoured relationship adds complexity. If personal tensions escalate (e.g., disputes over marriage rumours or Mama Dangote’s constant interference and meddling), it could destabilize their professional partnership. That, too, together with dating her supervisor, will work favourably for Zuchu. Relationships with superiors at the workplace are often deemed to have been achieved through duress despite her own confusing feelings towards her male companion. It looks like rape in the workplace when there is power inequity between the couple.
Family Influence:
Zuchu’s mother, Khadija Kopa, has guided her career decisions (e.g., rejecting the alcohol deal). Family advice might sway her toward independence if WCB’s environment becomes too toxic and unbearable.
Conclusion.
Zuchu’s exit from WCB would likely require a combination of financial negotiations, resolution of interpersonal conflicts, and strategic career moves. While her current success under the label is undeniable, the mounting personal grievances and precedents of high-profile departures suggest a plausible pathway for separation. However, the Sh10 billion penalty and Diamond’s influence remain significant hurdles. For now, her actions—like removing WCB mentions on social media—hint at a possible exit, but concrete steps depend on legal outcomes and market opportunities.
Suppose Diamond marries another woman could that provoke Zuchu’s exit?
The possibility of Zuchu leaving WCB Wasafi if Diamond Platnumz marries another woman—or choosing to remain professionally tied to him despite personal complications—depends on a mix of cultural, emotional, and career-driven factors. Here’s a nuanced breakdown:
- Cultural and Social Pressures.
Public Image in Tanzania:
Tanzanian society often scrutinizes relationships, especially those involving public figures. If Diamond marries another woman while Zuchu is perceived as a “mistress,” it could damage her reputation, particularly given her Muslim faith and previous emphasis on ethical decisions (e.g., rejecting the alcohol endorsement).
Family Influence:
Zuchu’s mother, Khadija Kopa, has historically guided her career choices. Family pressure to avoid scandal or uphold religious/cultural values might push her to distance herself from WCB to preserve her dignity.
- Emotional and Professional Dynamics.
Personal Relationship Fallout:
While Zuchu and Diamond have never confirmed a romantic relationship, rumors persist. A public marriage to another woman could strain their rapport, making their professional collaboration untenable. Past examples (e.g., Diamond’s fallout with ex-partner Hamisa Mobetto) suggest personal conflicts can spill into business.
Career Dependency:
Zuchu’s meteoric rise (e.g., 844M+ YouTube views, international collabs) is tied to WCB’s resources. Leaving could jeopardize her momentum unless she secures comparable backing.
- Financial and Contractual Realities:
Sh10 Billion Exit Fee:
As stated by Diamond, Zuchu would need to pay ~$4.3 million to terminate her contract early. Even if emotionally compelled to leave, this financial barrier is monumental unless she negotiates a waiver or secures external funding (e.g., a rival label buying out her contract).
Precedent of “Graceful Exits:
Rayvanny and Harmonize left WCB on relatively amicable terms after fulfilling contractual obligations. Zuchu might follow this path rather than a dramatic exit, prioritizing career stability over personal grievances.
- Strategic Long-Term Choices
Brand Autonomy:
Suppose Zuchu feels her association with Diamond/WCB limits her growth (e.g., due to gossip overshadowing her artistry). In that case, she might prioritize independence. Her recent removal of “WCB” from her Instagram bio hints at rebranding intentions.
Global Opportunities: With her international appeal, Zuchu could leverage offers from labels like Warner Music (WCB’s partner) or others to transition smoothly, minimizing reliance on Diamond.
Possible Scenarios:
- Exit with Backlash:
If Diamond’s marriage sparks public criticism of Zuchu, she might leave WCB to reclaim her narrative, even at significant financial cost.
- Stay and Compartmentalize:
She could prioritize her career, maintaining a strictly professional relationship with Diamond (as Rayvanny did post-exit) while ignoring personal drama.
- Negotiated Middle Ground:
A gradual exit via contract renegotiation (e.g., reduced fees, phased departure) to balance her reputation and career. According to Mange Kimambi, Diamond Platnumz’s take on Zuchu contract is 60% leaving Zuchu with 40%. While Mange is yet to furnish us with documentary proof but this contract mirrors Diamond Platnumz had with Luge whom he hated and had to summon a lot of inner energy to attend Luge’s burial.
The traumatised often becomes the traumatizer, amd Diamond Platnumz seems to have copied Luge’s business predatorial instincts, if the contractual relationship is estaoshed to be correct.
Conclusion.
While Zuchu’s decision would hinge on her emotional resilience, financial capacity, and career priorities, Tanzanian cultural norms and her personal values make a messy public fallout risky. Historically, WCB artists have prioritized career pragmatism over personal strife (e.g., Diamond and Harmonize still collaborate post-split).
However, Zuchu’s unique position as a top female artist—coupled with societal expectations for women—could push her toward independence if the stigma of being a “mistress” overshadows her artistry. Much depends on how Diamond handles the situation and whether WCB continues to align with her ambitions.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
