Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DANCEHALL chanter Poptain has once again found himself at the centre of a social media storm and once again the noise has shifted from music to mental health.
For the past few years, the “Fadza Mutengi” hitmaker has publicly opened up about battling mental health challenges.
He has also spoken about depression and emotional struggles.
However, social media users argue that every time he appears to be on a journey towards healing, he returns to social media with explosive accusations.
This always leaves fans confused about whether he is genuinely crying for help or simply courting controversy.
Yesterday, Poptain caused confusion after accusing fellow creatives of sabotaging his career.
Chief among those he named was dancehall heavyweight Winky D, whom he accused of refusing to collaborate with him when he was still an upcoming artist.
He also dragged businessman and music promoter Tinashe Mutarisi and fellow dancehall artist Nutty O into the mix.
He distanced himself from the collaboration hit “Kokai,” featuring Nutty O saying he wants his input removed completely.
“If you think I care about songs too much there you go. From now on I am upcoming and you are the big brand but to prove I will surpass you in no time again, I am removing myself from Kokai.
“Whatever you sang and put and wrote may stay but my voice is not participating in things I do not believe in?
“Am no competition to you, remember you are old, you are just too short,” he said.
Poptain also wants nothing to do with his other collaboration “Fadza Mutengi,” which was released in 2020, featuring Allanah on the Nash Nation Riddim.
He has gone to the extent of deleting it from his YouTube channel and even surrendering the rights to Mutarisi.
The remarks have sparked mixed reactions.
While some have sympathised with him, others have dismissed the rant as yet another publicity stunt.
They are even comparing it to the controversy driven approach often associated with Holy Ten, who has mastered the art of staying relevant through bold and sometimes divisive statements.
This is not the first time Poptain has spoken about mental health.
Each year, he has made declarations about overcoming emotional battles and prioritising self-care.
“When an artist repeatedly speaks about mental health, it should not be taken lightly.
“However, public meltdowns can also be a sign of unresolved issues that require professional intervention, not online validation,” said a music promoter.
Social media remains split.
Some fans are urging empathy and therapy.
Others believe the timing of the outburst suggests a strategic move to trend and spark conversation.
“Listening to his story, I just realised one thing, he thinks he has it worse than everybody else.
“Yet, in fact, millions of young Zim men have it 10x worse than him.
“The only difference is he has a platform to air his disgruntlement and my boys out there do not have a platform.
“Poptain my youth, please grow a pair and man up. How many men have made it on their own? A lot made it out of the woods.”
Bongani Ndlovu