Diamond Platnumz set tongues wagging after footage emerged of the Bongo Flava superstar reading Bible verses and preaching at a birthday celebration for gospel musician Joel Lwanga.
The clip, broadcast by Wasafi FM shows Diamond standing at a lectern on a concert-style stage bathed in red lighting, with a keyboard and multiple microphone stands visible in the background.
The mood is noticeably solemn, a far cry from the energy typically associated with the chart-topping artist.
Diamond quotes Luke and Matthew
Speaking in Swahili, Diamond drew from two Gospel passages. He opened with Luke 5:31-32, quoting Jesus: “Wenye afya hawaitaji tabibu” — meaning the healthy have no need of a doctor — before pivoting to Matthew 9:10-13, where Jesus ate alongside tax collectors and sinners, declaring he came not to call the righteous but sinners.
Diamond used the verses to reflect on purpose and service, arguing that bringing a doctor to healthy people serves no function, and drawing a parallel with the importance of reaching those who genuinely need guidance.
The address had the texture of a short sermon, with Diamond connecting the scripture to a broader message about why people are placed in certain spaces.
A new side of Diamond
The setting made the moment all the more striking. Joel Lwanga is a prominent gospel musician, and the two recently collaborated on a joint release, making Diamond’s appearance at the celebration more than just a social visit.
Seeing one of East Africa’s biggest Afrobeats names step into a preaching role, even briefly, clearly caught many viewers off guard.
Watch Diamond read the Bible verses at Joel Lwanga’s birthday celebration below:
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