Music superstar and Wasafi Media founder Diamond Platnumz, alongside his friends and business associates, has donated Sh10.3 million (Tsh 185 million) to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital to fund life-saving treatment for children battling Sickle Cell Disease.
The contribution, handed over during the hospital’s 10th anniversary celebrations in Dodoma, will support specialised bone marrow transplants for sickle cell patients as well as kidney transplant services for vulnerable citizens. Diamond also pledged an additional Sh5.6 million (Tsh 100 million) from his personal funds, deepening his commitment to the cause.
The money will go towards the “Simama Naye, Ukitoa Anaishi” campaign, which seeks to raise awareness and financial support for young patients. Diamond’s close friend and newly elected lawmaker Baba Levo also contributed Sh278,000 (Tsh 5 million) to the initiative.
In an emotional address, the award-winning singer said his involvement is deeply personal, revealing that he lost his nephew to sickle cell disease in 2020.
“In 2020, I lost my nephew due to sickle cell,” Diamond said. “When I saw how much the government has invested in healthcare and the capacity now available to save lives, I wished he could have been saved.”
He praised the Tanzanian government for major investments in healthcare infrastructure, noting that treatments that once required patients to seek costly care abroad can now be done locally.
Beyond financial support, the Wasafi Media boss said his media empire will fully back the campaign through its television, radio and digital platforms, aimed at mobilising support, educating the public and encouraging further donations.
Diamond stressed that the fight against sickle cell disease requires collective effort, calling on institutions, businesses and the public to unite behind the initiative.
“As institutions, if we stand together, we will ensure that ‘Simama Naye, Ukitoa Anaishi’ succeeds in saving the lives of children living with sickle cell,” he said.
The campaign focuses on two key goals: raising funds for expensive treatments such as bone marrow transplants for underprivileged patients, and increasing public awareness to reduce stigma while promoting early access to medical care.