The vibrant soundscapes of East Africa are abuzz with excitement as Tanzanian music titan Diamond Platnumz and Kenya’s soulful maestro Bien-Aimé Baraza of Sauti Sol fame, have officially released their highly anticipated collaboration, “Katam.”
Dropped on June 8, 2025, this new track is set to redefine cross-border musical synergy, blending the best of Bongo Flava with Bien’s distinctive vocal prowess.
“Katam” is more than just a song; it’s a celebration of East African charm and musical fusion.
The track seamlessly weaves Diamond Platnumz’s signature Bongo Flava style with Bien’s emotive vocals, creating a captivating mix of Afrobeat, pop, and traditional African rhythms.
Described as a “sweet, catchy love anthem,” on digital streaming platforms, the song pays homage to that special woman whose allure is “katam tam,” meaning irresistibly sweet.
Through playful lyrics and smooth harmonies, the duo paints a vivid picture of a woman whose charm reflects the richness of East Africa, from her “Rwandan glow, Somali hair, Ethiopian eyes, to her Tanzanian sweetness and Kenyan smartness.”
This latest collaboration comes after years of mutual admiration and subtle hints between the two powerhouses.
Bien himself confirmed a recording session with Diamond as far back as June 2021, stating his admiration for Diamond’s entrepreneurial mindset and the way Tanzanian artists value their craft.
“I liked Diamond’s mindset, how he conducts his business and how Tanzanian artists value themselves in a way that is so attractive that they are recognized even in Kenya,” Bien remarked in a past interview.
Diamond, in turn, has publicly praised Bien’s unique vocals, setting the stage for what fans hoped would eventually materialize into a full-fledged collaboration.
The recent buzz around a potential joint performance at a CAF opening ceremony further underscored the recognition of their combined star power, “Katam” marks their first official direct collaboration as lead artists on a new track in recent memory, a moment eagerly awaited by fans.
The collaboration adds another significant chapter to Diamond Platnumz’s impressive history of working with Kenyan artists.
The “Boy From Tandale,” as he is affectionately known, has long championed regional unity through music.
One of his earlier and most impactful Kenyan collaborations was with Akothee, the “Madam Boss,” on the melodious track “Sweet Love,” released in 2016.
This song brought together two formidable personalities from different corners of East Africa, creating a memorable hit.
Later, in 2020, Diamond collaborated with Kenyan singer and former partner Tanasha Donna on the sizzling track “Gere.”
This particular song gained immense traction due to their high-profile relationship at the time, dominating airwaves and streaming charts across the continent.
by moses sagwe
