Gospel singer Bahati Bukuku has questioned Joel Lwaga’s musical partnership with Diamond Platnumz.
The Tanzanian gospel veteran says her spiritual convictions would rule out a similar partnership, while stressing that other artistes make their own choices.
Tanzanian gospel singer Bahati Bukuku has questioned Joel Lwaga’s decision to collaborate with Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz, saying such a partnership would not align with her personal spiritual convictions.
Her remarks concern Nikumbuke, a prayer-themed song released by Lwaga and Diamond on September 23. The track asks God to remember people facing different struggles in life.
Speaking on East Africa Radio on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Bukuku said she would not pursue a similar collaboration. However, she also emphasised that her position reflected her own beliefs rather than a condemnation of artistes who choose a different path.
Bukuku explains her personal position
In explaining her objection, Bukuku used a comparison between light and darkness to express why she did not believe gospel and secular music could be brought together in that way. For her, she said, that kind of musical partnership was not an option.
The veteran singer, known for Waraka wa Amani, returned to the personal nature of her stance during the interview. She said each artiste had their own perspective and the ability to decide which collaborations to undertake.
That distinction was central to her comments: while she rejected the possibility for herself, she left responsibility for other artistes’ decisions with the individuals involved. She described her own outlook as spiritual.
Her criticism therefore focused on a boundary she observes in her gospel career, even as the collaboration between Lwaga and Diamond brought the question of gospel and secular partnerships into focus.
Nikumbuke passes early YouTube milestone
Lwaga and Diamond’s release places prayer at the centre of their collaboration. Its message concerns people experiencing hardship and asking for God’s attention amid their circumstances.
After the song’s release, Lwaga celebrated its early reception, saying it had surpassed 500,000 views on YouTube in less than 24 hours. Bukuku’s interview came the day after the September 23 release.
The song’s devotional subject and the pairing of a gospel artiste with a Bongo Flava star are the backdrop to Bukuku’s remarks. Her objection centred on the partnership, while her explanation stressed the convictions guiding her own choices.
Two established gospel careers
Lwaga has built his profile in Tanzania’s gospel music scene through songs including Mifupani, Nivushe, Mimi Ni Wa Juu, Wanitazama, Usipigane and Ngome.
Bukuku, meanwhile, is a veteran gospel voice whose best-known work includes Waraka wa Amani. She has maintained a strong gospel identity throughout her career.
Her latest comments underline the position she would take on a crossover collaboration: she would not participate herself, but recognises that fellow artistes approach those decisions from their own perspectives.
