Tanzania producer Sheddy Clever has publicly acknowledged that singer Dayna Nyange was “wronged” in the creation of one of Diamond Platnumz’s most iconic songs, Number One.
Following the release of the song in 2013, Dayna Nyange publicly claimed that the beat and parts of the song’s concept were originally hers, but Sheddy Clever dismissed her claims for years.
At the time Number One was released, it quickly became a defining record for Diamond Platnumz, elevating his status both in Tanzania and across Africa. Its success was further amplified by a remix featuring Nigerian superstar Davido, which expanded the song’s reach beyond East Africa and helped cement Diamond’s growing continental influence.
According to Sheddy Clever’s recent account, Dayna had previously recorded a version of a project using the instrumental that would later evolve into Number One. She reportedly intended to collaborate with Tanzanian singer Ali Kiba, but the collaboration did not materialise. When Diamond later heard the beat, he expressed interest, and the producer proceeded to develop the now-famous track with him instead.
At the time, Dayna’s public claims sparked controversy, but without formal documentation or industry intervention, the matter gradually faded from mainstream discussion. Sheddy’s initial denials further weakened her position in the public eye, reinforcing perceptions that the song was conceived solely within Diamond’s creative camp. However, his recent acknowledgment suggests that the situation was more complex than previously portrayed.
The controversy highlights broader structural issues in the music industry, where informal agreements and verbal understandings often substitute for legally binding contracts. In such environments, disputes over beats, songwriting credits and intellectual property can become difficult to resolve.
Meanwhile, neither Diamond Platnumz nor Dayna Nyange has publicly responded to Sheddy Clever’s recent revelation. However, the producer’s admission has effectively validated what Dayna maintained for years, that her creative input formed part of the foundation of Number One.
For many observers, the acknowledgment represents more than a personal vindication; it signals a rare moment of accountability in an industry where disputes over beats and concepts are often brushed aside without resolution. While it remains unclear whether the revelation will lead to any formal reconciliation or industry action, Dayna’s long-standing claim has now been publicly justified, reshaping the narrative around one of Bongo Flava’s most celebrated hits.
