Giving up? Ali Kiba finally praises Diamond Platnumz

Ali Kiba has for the first time showered praises on Diamond for winning three awards in All African Music Awards 2015 (AFRIMA) which was held in Lagos, Nigeria on Sunday.

The two Bongo music bigwigs have for a long time not seen eye to eye, and supremacy battles have often strained their relationship.

“I have no issues with Diamond. I heard he won three AFRIMA awards; I extend my hearty congratulations to him. At least we now have someone who represents us on the international platform. It is very good. Diamond and I are good,” he told Clouds FM.

Kiba’s tribute to Diamond comes just a day after he (Kiba) posted a controversial status on Instagram which many followers interpreted as a jealously fueled jab at the Number One  singer.

“Thank you all. I know you were dedicated in voting massively for me. I however came to learn that there are some people who are cunning. They are even ready to lose their money, simply because of me. Nevertheless, I ask my fans not to understand my post wrongly. I will always be there for you.”

This post sparked massive criticism from Diamond’s fans who alleged Kiba insinuated that the Ntampata Wapi hit-maker bribed the event organisers.

In yet another interpretation, quotas claimed Kiba indirectly alleged that Diamond paid fans heavily to vote en masse for him.

Fans told off Kiba for putting up the post and this prompted the Mwana singer to pull it down.

Kiba later appeared on Clouds FM and clarified what he meant by his post, “People understood my post wrongly. I was simply communicating to my fans who voted for me; I did not mention any award; they misinterpreted my message.”

Did Kiba’s faillure to get a single accolade in the four categories he was nominated for make the Chekechea Cheketua singer keep away from congratulating his countryman (for putting Tanzania on the map)?

“I did not want to post anything about his win. There’s nothing like patriotism. How many people do things for the country worth recognition and are not congratulated? How many good deeds can be traced to me? We are not patriots,” quipped Kiba.

So, is he jealous of Diamond Platnumz?

“Many people don’t know my personality. They often think I’m boasting, or I’m jealous. The truth is I like all artistes equally, and I love good music,” said Kiba.

Ali Kiba lost to Diamond in three categories that they were nominated in – Artist of the Year in Africa, Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa and Song of the Year in Africa.

Diamond also beat top continental acts like Davido, Wizkid, Flavour, Olamide among others to win the coveted Artist of the Year in Africa, AFRIMA 2015.

Kenya’s Sauti Sol impressed by beating Nigeria’s P-Square to scoop the Best African Group Duo Band.

Another East African top act who won a decent accolade is Uganda’s Jose Chameleone who bagged Songwriter of the Year in Africa.