Fans at the Wasafi Festival were left in a mixture of shock and awe as Tanzanian Bongo sensation Diamond Platnumz unveiled a performance entrance unlike any other. Known for his theatricality, Platnumz pushed the envelope further by incorporating a coffin-themed entrance that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

As mournful music played, muscled men dressed in somber black outfits proceeded to the stage, carrying a coffin that only added to the dark ambiance. The atmospheric design, adorned with lit lanterns and skeletal motifs, heightened the suspense. But the climax of this eerily staged performance came when Platnumz burst out from one of the vertical coffins, mic in hand, transitioning instantly into his electrifying performance.

Sharing his nerve-wracking experience on Instagram, Diamond admitted that the time spent inside the coffin was terrifying for him. While the act was intended to be thrilling, it has since sparked a debate among fans and critics. Some hail it as sheer creativity that heightened the show’s atmosphere, while others decry it, stating that using a symbol of death and mourning for entertainment purposes is distasteful.

However, Diamond Platnumz isn’t the first artist to employ such a stage tactic. Previous acts include Ibraah, a fellow Tanzanian artist, who made a similar entrance during The Afro East Carnival, leaving fans both shocked and entertained. Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones also joined the trend in 2017, where his coffin entrance set the tone for what was described as a “killer” performance.

The use of coffins in performances is proving to be a divisive tactic in the entertainment industry. While its theatrical appeal is undeniable, it also raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural sensitivity.