Harare – In a stunning series of events, controversial rapper Holy Ten has executed a dramatic about-face, publicly apologising to figures he previously attacked and aligning himself with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This move comes after a tumultuous period marked by incendiary accusations, a controversial podcast interview, and mounting legal threats.
“I was first inspired to pray by Uebert Angel,” Holy Ten lamented on the podcast. “But for him to turn into someone who asks me to find ‘slay queens’ was the worst thing ever.”
His accusations didn’t stop there. He claimed he was manipulated by Winky D into performing lyrics on the song Ibotso that were interpreted as critical of Zanu PF, a claim he now vehemently denies, alleging that Winky D “hoodwinked” him. Holy Ten also claimed he was excluded from the Nama awards due to his romantic entanglements with the organisers’ partners. Perhaps most shockingly, Holy Ten revealed that his relationship with his wife, Kimberly Richards, began as an act of spite against fellow rapper Voltz JT, with whom she reportedly had an affair, though he later admitted to falling in love with her.
The fallout from the podcast was swift and severe. Mama Vee launched a lawsuit against him for his attack on his cross dressing and sexuality, and Mudiwa Hood also threatened to file a lawsuit. The entertainment industry was ablaze with criticism, and DJ Ollah 7 himself began receiving death threats.
DJ Ollah 7 wrote on Facebook: “I will never evade the police, I’m a law-abiding citizen and an accredited journalist who is simply doing his job. Sending death threats to me will not make it easier. Why not face a person who even asked to be sued publicly because he said he has the evidence?”
However, Mudiwa Hood has since withdrawn charges against both DJ Ollah 7 and Holy Ten, citing their public apologies as reason enough to drop the case.
In a stunning reversal, Holy Ten has now publicly apologised to Ambassador Uebert Angel, Mudiwa Hood, Mama Vee, and others he mentioned in the controversial interview. In a video posted on his social media, Holy Ten admitted he was heavily intoxicated during the interview and even blamed DJ Ollah 7 for airing the episode despite knowing its potential consequences.
“The reason why I am here is because I feel like in this state is probably where I can say something that is actually reasonable and something that makes sense. The interview that I did I was in no state of mind that you can ever take me seriously. I was drunk. I was very very intoxicated at that interview. I just felt like you never know what’s going on in a man’s mind every day and then worse off pozoita door,” he said.
The rapper went further, accusing DJ Ollah 7 of betrayal. “I just feel like I was entrapped. I feel like I’m a bit angry even at Ollah because that one wasn’t live. For him to then put out zvinhu zvakadaro knowing what damage it could do? I can’t blame anyone for the words that I said, yes the mouth is mine but then as fellow men, for you to possess that kinda footage yaunoziva kuti ikabuda will shake marriage yemunhu I just feel like Ollah didn’t think about me as munhu I regarded as a friend,” Holy Ten added.
Following the incident, Holy Ten revealed that he now wants to advocate against alcohol abuse, admitting that drinking had led him to say things he couldn’t even recall.
“I think I’m also gonna start advocating against alcoholism and tell people that alcoholism is destructive. You can imagine the pain of having to wake up the next morning having to answer and stand for the things that you don’t even remember you did. Things that you don’t remember you said but the people that you said them to, remember. They’ll never forget. Zvinondirwadza zvisingaiti how things have escalated,” Holy Ten said.
Adding to the drama, Holy Ten has publicly aligned himself with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. During the launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerment scheme in Harare, Holy Ten, once a vocal critic, took to the stage, chanting praises for Mnangagwa.
“President munopisa, mucharamba muchipisa,” he declared, his words a stark contrast to his recent tirades.
This public display of loyalty has been met with skepticism, with many viewing it as a calculated maneuver to salvage his career and reputation after his explosive podcast appearance.
President Mnangagwa launched the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme in Harare, announcing a US$2 million revolving fund for youth income-generating projects. He also provided substantial resources, including 72 tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 10 vehicles, and 10 borehole rigs. Additionally, a US$5 million Presidential Youth Mining Equipment Scheme was launched for young artisanal miners. The Youth Empowerment Bank will manage these funds, and US$10 million from a US$50 million irrigation development fund will be allocated to youth in agriculture. The government plans to continue mobilising resources for youth empowerment.
Interestingly, amid the legal battle, Holy Ten has garnered backing from Zanu PF hardliners, with youth league official Taurai Kandishaya expressing strong support for the artist. In a statement issued on Thursday, Kandishaya emphasized the importance of defending Zimbabwe’s cultural values, including opposition to homosexuality.
Kandishaya was quoted as saying, “Uyu Mupfanha wedu Zvekutodaro! Anyway, it’s high time we defended our constitution and cultural values by putting a stop to content that violates our moral values. We are not a nation that promotes or condones homosexuality. Be warned.”
He further expressed that, similar to companies like Toyota halting sponsorships for LGBT-related causes, individuals should also stop supporting those who promote such views. Kandishaya urged people to “buy from dignified suppliers.”
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