Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ORGANISERS of the 2025 Harare Cup Clash have revealed that Zimdancehall star Takura “Blot” Chiwoniso delivered a stellar performance at this year’s event while silently battling serious personal challenges.
The show, held at the City Sports Centre on the final day of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, is one of the biggest platforms for dancehall acts.
Unknown to many in the crowd, Blot was already on the edge.
Shortly afterwards, he checked into the Matrix Rehabilitation Centre in Harare, supported by Pastor Prophet Kudakwashe Jose of Victorious Generation International Church.
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, veteran promoter Chipaz opened up about the artist’s state when they booked him.
“When we invited him for the 2025 Cup Clash in August, we assumed he was only facing financial hardship.
“We wanted to help. He performed well but, after the show, he started exhibiting strange behaviour, something we couldn’t understand.
“We aren’t psychologists, but we could tell something was wrong,” Chipaz said.
He said he is relieved that Blot agreed to go for rehabilitation, calling it a lifeline for both the artiste’s mental health and his career.
“We visited him with Pastor Jose last Friday. We spoke at length.
“The young man needed this support, and we’re glad to see him improving at the Matrix Centre.
“It’s our hope he returns stronger. We want him back in the game, sober, focused and becoming a brand ambassador against drug abuse.”
In a separate interview, Prophet Jose said he was encouraged by the transformation he witnessed during his latest visit.
“The progress Blot has made is remarkable. Seeing him uplifted and healing was powerful.
“His journey will inspire many young people to turn away from drug abuse.
“My desire is to see this generation saying no to drugs and yes to Jesus, choosing a life of purpose,” Prophet Jose said.
The youthful pastor said Blot is expected to be discharged between late November and early December, pending final assessments.
He went on to pledge full support for Blot’s reintegration, vowing to help him rebuild his life beyond rehab.
“We’re organising sustainable projects for him and securing decent accommodation.
“Our goal is to make sure he stands on his feet again, stable, productive, and dignified,” he said.
His commitment comes after Blot publicly cried out for help during a church service, admitting he needed support to fight his demons.
Zimdancehall gatekeepers Godfatha Templeman and Chipaz were among those who urged him to seek treatment.
Despite his struggles, the Kwekwe-born hit maker, behind tracks like ‘‘Rufu’’, ‘‘Hatitongwe nemasalad’’ and ‘‘Havasati Vandiona’’, has remained a strong force on the charts.
Blot joins a growing list of high-profile artistes confronting addiction and mental health issues, including Saintfloew and Tryson Chimbetu, while others like Pauline Gundidza and Takura Shonhai, have openly shared their own battles.
Mathew Masinge