Blaq Diamond (stylized BlaQ Diamond) is a South African Afro pop duo from Ladysmith KwaZulu-Natal. They met in 2010 on a school trip where both participated in a music cypher in the school bus. They signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment, releasing their debut album Inqola (2017), which became their first iTunes number one.
The band first gained prominence for their single "Ibhanoyi" released 2019, which received "SAMA Record of the Year".[2]
Their second studio album Umuthi (2020), spawned two platinum selling singles "Ibhanoyi" and "Love Letter".[3][4]
In 2010, they met while on a school trip where they participated in a rap cypher in the school bus and began spending more time together, participating in school functions which earned them recognition in the community and local surroundings. The two decided to move to Johannesburg for better musical prospects which proved difficult at first as, not knowing anyone, forced them to get jobs to earn an income which was used to sustain their musical ambitions.[5]
In early 2017, the duo signed a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment and began to work on the debut album. In June 19, their album's lead single "Sthandwa" was released followed by second single "Emzini kaBaba" which was accompanied by music video.[6] In the winter of 2017, they released their debut album Inqola to critical acclaim.[7] The album is a fusion of Afro-soul with Maskandi and umBhaqanga fusion which they made sound modern and youthful.[7] At the 24th South African Music Awards, they received two SAMA Awards nominations. In 2018, they performed for the first time in Piertermaritzburg invited by a local event group to perform in a fashion show [8]
On May 2, 2019, their single "Memeza" featuring Sjava was released,[9] as album's lead single. The song peaked number 9 on Radio Airplay Charts. In August 2, their second single "Ibhanoyi" was released.[10] The song peaked number one iTunes charts.[11] At the 26th ceremony of South African Music Awards, "Ibhanoyi" won Record of the Year.[12]
On January 23, 2020, their third single "Love Letter" was released.[13] The song peaked number 3 on iTunes charts and number 11 on Radio Airplay Charts.[14]
On 31 January 2020, their second studio album Umuthi was released.[15] The album features Sjava, Ci Ci, Thee legacy and Igcokama Elisha. The album produced three singles "Memeza", "Love Letter" and "Ibhanoyi. The album debuted at number 1 on iTunes Albums Charts.[16]
In June 2020, they established Umuthi Records joint-venture with Ambitiouz Entertainment.[17] In mid of 2020, the duo made collaboration on "Price to pay" and "Uhulumeni" by DJ Miss Pru. In November 20, their single "Summer YoMuthi" was released [18] and debuted number one on Channel 0 Top 30 music chart.[19]
In June 4, they released a single "Messiah" featuring Dumi Mkokstad. The song gained 3 million views on YouTube.[20]
At the 6th ceremony of All Africa Music Awards their song "Summer YoMuthi" received eight nominations including; Best Male Artist in Southern Africa, Artist of the Year in Africa; Song of the Year in Africa; Producer of the Year in Africa; Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music; Breakout Artiste of the Year; Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop; Best African Duo, Group or Band.[21] In October 29, their single "Italy" was released.[22]
In December 2021, the duo left Ambitiouz Entertainment.[23][24]
In early September 2022, they announced a single "Qoma" featuring South African singers Big Zulu and Siya Ntuli on Instagram.[25]
Zulu Romance was released on February 29, 2024.[26] The album is an afro-pop record fused with maskandi and isichathamiya elements. It is supported by two singles "Qoma", and "Mangibona Wena".
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | SAMA | Song of the year | Won | [27] |
| Afro pop Album of the Year | Nominated | |||
| KZN Entertainment Awards | Newest Find | Nominated | [28] | |
| 2021 | MTV Africa Music Awards 2021 | Best Group | Won | [29] |
| SAMA 27 | Artist of the Year | Won | [30] | |
| AFRIMMA | Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa | Won | [31][32] | |
| Artiste of the Year in Africa | Nominated | |||
| Song of the Year in Africa | Won | |||
| Producer of the Year in Africa | Nominated | |||
| Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music | Nominated | |||
| Breakout Artiste of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop | Nominated | |||
| Best African Duo, Group or Band | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | SATMA | Best Traditional Collaboration | Pending | [33] |
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