Diamond Platnumz’s brother, Romy Jons, joins celebrities who choose sobriety
Being in the limelight often means that alcohol is readily available, especially in the entertainment industry.
Many celebrities find themselves getting used to this lifestyle, but over time, some choose to quit drinking, making it a significant decision for their health and career.
Romy Jons, the brother of celebrated Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz, is the latest celebrity to open up about his decision to quit alcohol.
This move reflects a growing trend among public figures who prioritise their well-being and career longevity over the temporary allure of alcohol.
Jons, who has been an integral part of Diamond Platnumz’s music and business ventures, recently shared his journey towards sobriety, highlighting the challenges and benefits of such a life-changing decision.
“Quitting alcohol has been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Jones said in an interview with Simulizi na Sauti.
“It wasn’t easy, but I realised that to achieve my long-term goals and be there for my family, I needed to make this change.”
“I no longer drink. I stopped drinking in 2016. I stopped because it was too much. I manifested that I would become the biggest DJ plus an artiste, and I still do, and to get to that level I had to stop drinking. I wanted to go to the same level as Tyler Perry. I want the world to see what I have. So to achieve this, I should stop drinking or partaking in any other substances.”
He says that quitting alcohol has helped him focus on his goals and avoid distractions.
“A lot of things also work through prayer. For me to stop drinking, I prayed for three months. Naomba nalia (I’d pray and cry), because bro, it was too much, yaani nilikuwa nalia mzee, yaani nakunywa kiasi cha kwamba ( mean, I would sob, man, It was bad to the point that I would drink all night to the point where) I used to go home when children were walking to school. The children would recognise me as Diamond’s brother, and the fact that I had on yesterday’s clothes. So it was too much, I turned to God, praying for three months back to back,” Jons narrated.
“The decision to stop drinking should be an individual decision. For me it was too much, when you are sober, you can achieve so much more sababu sijalewa (because I’m sober).”
Jons joins a growing list of celebrities who have chosen sobriety, including others who have publicly shared their struggles and triumphs over alcoholism.
Vanessa Mdee:
Tanzanian-born, Atlanta-based musician Vanessa Mdee recently shared the deeply personal story behind her decision to quit alcohol. The mother of two cited stress and the toll of the music industry as the driving forces behind her past struggles with alcoholism.
Speaking on TikTok, Mdee revealed: “When I was in the entertainment industry, I had a lot of stress, and to cope with the stress and to escape a lot of depression, I drank a lot. I was a functional alcoholic. I would do everything perfectly actually, but towards the end, that’s in 2018, I drank every night to go to sleep, and it was an unhealthy lifestyle.”
Mdee went on to explain that a spiritual awakening played a crucial role in her decision to quit drinking. “As I got close to God, the Holy Spirit convinced me to stop drinking, and after a very personal traumatic experience, I decided to quit drinking forever.”
In November, Mdee proudly announced on social media that she had been sober for four years. “I don’t drink alcohol. I’m almost four years without an alcoholic beverage, and I’m so proud of myself. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she declared.
Janet Mbugua:
Media personality Janet Mbugua also opened up about her decision to quit alcohol and the motivations behind her choice.
Mbugua recognised her increasing reliance on alcohol and decided to take control of her life before it became a dangerous habit.
While she acknowledged that she didn’t have a severe drinking problem, she admitted to using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
“I did not have an attachment to or have a dangerous drinking habit; I must mention that. I just wanted to make that clear,” Janet clarified in a video.
She described how she used alcohol to deal with various life challenges, whether it was stress or simply having a bad day.
“If I had a bad day, I’d just have a glass of wine; I’m going out, I’m stressed, I’d have some alcohol. Whatever it was, I’d just sort of use it to cope. It didn’t become this dangerous pattern, but it could have,” Janet revealed.
Wema Sepetu:
Former Miss Tanzania Wema Sepetu announced her decision to quit alcohol and shared the struggles she faced on her journey to sobriety.
Sepetu revealed that a dramatic incident involving her mother had caused her to relapse, but the decision was solidified in May 2023.
Her boyfriend, Whozu, had been instrumental in her journey to sobriety.
“My boyfriend played a significant role in helping me quit alcohol. He did not want me to drink and took on the role of coaching and supporting me.”