![Diamond Platnumz is under self-isolation after it emerged that his manager, whom he travelled with to Europe, tested positive for COVID-19. [PHOTO | FILE]](https://i0.wp.com/www.k24tv.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SALLAM-SHARAF.jpg?resize=730%2C414&ssl=1)
Tanzanian heavy-hitter Diamond Platnumz is currently under self-quarantine after it emerged that his manager, Sallam Sharaf, whom he travelled with to Europe in early March, tested positive for coronavirus.
Diamond Platnumz has so far completed eight days out of the recommended 14 days self-isolation period, the musician’s other manager, Mkubwa Fella, says.
Speaking to Global Publishers on Wednesday, March 25, Fella, who is also the councilor for Kilungule Ward in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, said Diamond Platnumz and ten other Wasafi crew members travelled to Tanzania from Europe using the same plane as Sallam Sharaf, and while on the European trip, all the 11 interacted closely with Sharaf, who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 19.
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The Wasafi team, which left for Europe on March 5, is said to have visited Switzerland, Denmark and France before returning to Tanzania on March 14. It is believed Sharaf contracted coronavirus during the one-week tour of Europe.
Upon arriving in Tanzania on March 14, Sharaf is said to have developed fever, cough and felt generally unwell.
“When he (Sharaf) told us he wasn’t feeling well, and that he was exhibiting the symptoms of COVID-19, I remember telling him: “You travelled with Nasibu (Diamond Platnumz) and other WCB team members. What will happen to them?” Mkubwa Fella told Global Publishers.
“He (Sharaf) responded, saying: ‘Let me be the first among us (Wasafi crew) to test for coronavirus. I am going to the hospital for the test.’ And true to his word, he went for the test. He did not drive in his vehicle while heading to the health facility in Dar es Salaam. He hailed a commercial ambulance. After test results returned positive on March 18, he was placed under mandatory quarantine,” said Mkubwa Fella, whose real name is Said Fella.
Asked on the COVID-19 fate of the other 11 Wasafi crew members, who travelled with Sharaf, Fella said: “After Sharaf tested positive for the bug, all the other 11 WCB members, including Diamond Platnumz, took themselves to hospital, where they were tested for coronavirus.
“The test results returned negative, but they were advised to repeat the test after seven days because there could have been chances that the virus couldn’t be detected in their bodies during the first examination.”
Fella said the 11 suspected carriers were directed to self-quarantine, “failure of which, they would be placed under mandatory confinement at a Dar es Salaam hospital”.
“All the 11 have currently done eight out of the recommended 14 days self-quarantine period,” said Fella.
Announcing news of his diagnosis on March 19, Sharaf said on Instagram: “I have received coronavirus test results, and I would like to confirm that it has turned out positive. Currently, I am under mandatory quarantine, and being monitored closely by doctors.
“I would like to thank the Tanzanian Government for the good medical services I am receiving. Since Tuesday (March 17), I have been in isolation. The nurses at the hospital I am admitted in are good to me. May God protect them, and give them good health. [I urge] everyone to be safe out there. This shall pass,” said Sharaf.
Musician Diamond Platnumz, who is managed by Sharaf, responded on Sharaf’s Instagram post, saying: “Get well soon, manager.”
Diamond’s mother, Sanura Kassim alias Bi Sandra, said: “God will help you. I believe you will get well, God-willing.”
WCB musician, Mbosso, said: “Get well soon, boss.”
Sharaf’s co-manager, Babu Tale, who also manages Diamond Platnumz, said: “Kindly video-call us so that we ascertain you are okay. You are frightening us, we who come from Morogoro.”
Sharaf’s confirmation of being coronavirus positive came an hour after Tanzania’s Health Minister, Ummy Mwalimu, announced that COVID-19 cases in the country had risen to six by Thursday, March 19. The cases today (March 26) stand at 13, with one recovery recorded.
Sallam Sharaf has since allayed fears that he is admitted to the intensive care unit after he developed complications while under isolation. Rumours on Tanzanian blogs had suggested that the 40-year-old was in bad shape.
