Online Reporter
ONE of the country’s top hip hop artistes, Mukudzei “Holy Ten” Chitsama had an evening to forget on Independence Day, which also happened to be Good Friday.
A supposed album launch was a disappointment in many fronts, including poor attendance and a premature end to his programme due to time restrictions at the venue.
Not so long ago, a Holy Ten album launch was a must-attend, major event on Zimbabwe’s music calendar where he sought the crown of leader of the youth.
As someone put it, “on Good Friday it turned out to be a sobering disappointment — both literally and figuratively.”
Apart from an almost empty venue and a premature end to the show, what has been worrying to those discussing the videos that are all over social media is he appeared disconnected from his craft.
It is not a secret that Holy Ten has, in recent years, dominated his genre with hard-hitting lyrics, a voice that his fans love, and a willingness to tackle issues head-on.
But as experts always say, artistry is only one side of the coin. The other — professionalism, consistency, and respect for fans — is what sustains a career.
Based on what is already obtaining on social media, what unfolded on Good Friday wasn’t just a failed album launch show; it was a missed opportunity.
For an artist of his stature to launch an album to such a paltry turnout suggests a disconnection with his audience.
In one of the videos, he attempts to address the issue saying he would rather have an audience of 100 loyal fans than a house full of haters.
Certainly, that is not the way to look at the business side of music, every paying head counts regardless of their personal feelings.
The recent battles between artistes and Zimura show that music is an industry already struggling with infrastructure, funding, and support. As such, artists must be intentional and meticulous when delivering their products, including live performances and album launches.
Music experts say fans invest time and money expecting to be moved, entertained, and inspired. When that trust is broken, the damage is hard to undo.
However, the Good Friday flop should not mark the end for Holy Ten, but it must be a turning point.
The reported intoxication on Good Friday and other days have only added fuel to the fire, tarnishing his credibility and raising questions about his focus and discipline.
Holy Ten now has a choice: to either retreat into ego and excuses, or to regroup, take accountability, and remind Zimbabwe why he once held the mic as the voice of a generation — Le ader of the youth!
It is said, artistry is about more than talent—it’s about responsibility. Age is still very much on his side and Holy Ten still has the pen.
The question now is: can he rewrite the narrative and reclaim his status as leader of the youth and speaker of the truth?
