Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
CONTROVERSIAL musician Gift Amuli has reignited a social media storm after sharing a post from a funeral wake captioned “Mari Yechema.”
Although he did not explain the comment or the condolence money it referred to, the post attracted intense attention following a well publicised cyberbullying case brought by fellow musician First Farai, which resulted in Amuli’s arrest and court appearance.
Amuli, who had publicly accused First Farai of theft, was arrested and granted US$200 bail by a Harare magistrate.
The dispute arose from Amuli’s allegations that First Farai had stolen condolence money at Cephas Mashakada’s 2011 funeral.
First Farai, the vice chairperson of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association, later withdrew the case after music promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza intervened.
Hardly a fortnight after the case was withdrawn, many social media users believe Amuli was being a bit mischievous in his post.
One of his followers, Fidelis Manyange, believes Amuli was poking fun at First Farai in his response:
“Kudenha ndokuziva ini.”
A second social media user, Sharon Tapfuma, responded:
“Matanga kudenha futi. Let he who has no sin cast the first stone.”
“Yaaaa, but it’s indirect — it can mean he’s at a funeral, but people can twist it to suit their intentions,” wrote another user.
One of Amuli’s followers, Gofrey Zawanda, believes the “Wamakatuka” hit-maker is stoking more fire and is unrepentant.
“From behind bars coming with more bars.”
Fan Cephas Sebhastian Mutoro questioned Amuli’s apology: “Kkkk so it was a fake apology?”
Tinofara Shango Mushangwe urged Amuli to be responsible with his posts:
“Joke iroro ndiro rakamuradzika muma cells until akumbirirwa nemamwe ma artists kuti aregererwe naFirst… First withdrew the case, now ave kudzokorora futi.”
However, one of Amuli’s followers, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, believes the singer could get away with it if prosecuted.
“Kuti awane mabudiro, apa anongoti ndataura zita remunhu here?”
Another fan suggested the Zvishavane Sounds leader should compose a song centred on the drama:
“Kkkkk zvakutoda iri song trust me it’s a hit.”
There are, however, fans who believe Amuli should choose between music and making skits.
“Zvekugadzira good music pasi tsvee. Busy kuda kutrender nenyaya dzechema,” posted Samson Dzingira.
After Amuli’s recent post, Chimbodza said:
“The joke is indirect but it can simply mean that he was at a funeral, yet people can always twist it to suit their narrative,” he said.
“It can be taken as a joke since they are now buddies after their reconciliation.”
First Farai’s camp said:
“In this case, no name was mentioned but people are there are the right judges.
“The good thing is that First Farai was never mentioned in the post, and it would have been sad if he had been,” said an insider from First Farai’s camp.
Amuli was unreachable as he changed mobile numbers after his recent arrest.
