Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Rockford “Roki” Josphats has taken full responsibility for his recent alleged sexual escapade drama with an unidentified Harare woman, admitting some of his actions were reckless and could have been avoided.
The “Chidzoka” hit-maker has been trending after a “mysterious” woman, reportedly a sex-crazed fan, confronted and harassed him over claims that he had failed to pay for sexual services rendered.
The fracas was captured on video, which has since gone viral.
Narrating the events of the day, Roki claimed that he did not have sex with the woman as is what has been accepted by the public on social media.
“Firstly, I would like to apologise for the drama that was captured on video, where I was assaulted by a woman,” Roki told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“I hooked up with three ladies at a show at Jam Tree after our performance, and we had shots of Hennessy whisky, which I had been given by a fan on stage.
“I needed some female company because, nowadays, I am a divorcee with a busy schedule.
“We proceeded to a local studio owned by my friend, where I had fun. One of the girls became interested in me and was demanding sex for most of the day.”
The 41-year-old maintained that the drink-fuelled drama got out of hand after he appeared to be delaying the woman’s advances.
“It’s funny how that lady kept pestering me for sex, but I couldn’t have sex with her since we were at someone’s office.
“She then started pulling my clothes and tearing my waistcoat, attracting the attention of neighbours.
“I kept asking her to adjust her dress since she was not wearing underwear, but she would not listen to me.”
After noticing that the drama had gotten out of hand, Roki said he asked staff at the office to record the incident.
“I am actually the one who asked to be recorded so that I could use the footage as evidence in court if it was needed.
“I was dressed in my suit, and I couldn’t engage in a fight because I wanted the world to know that I am not a violent man.
“I also filed a police report at Harare Central after realising that I was an assault victim.
“I avoided drama by not engaging in a fight on the day in question because I have a reputation to protect.”
Roki has since apologised profusely to his children, fellow musicians and members of his generation who look up to him as a role model.
“I know I got myself into trouble after the video went viral, but I did not have sex with that lady.
“On that note, I would like to apologise to my family, funders and friends who look up to me.
“I still maintain that I didn’t have sex with her. I actually recorded a song with Alick Macheso titled ‘Mari YaRosa’ after the incident.”
He added: “Baba Macheso has also given me a word of encouragement to be strong after that incident.It was never a publicity stunt, but I was a victim of physical violence.”
He also acknowledged that the situation could have been avoided had he exercised greater caution.
“I am partly to blame for the choice of ladies I sometimes hang out with after shows, but on that occasion, I did not have sex with her.”
Roki also appeared conscious of the wider impact of his actions, particularly on his family and young people who may regard him as an influential figure in the music industry.
“It’s not good to being in the news for the wrong reasons but this time I was abused,” he said.
The controversy has once again thrust the veteran musician into the spotlight, with the incident generating widespread discussion on social media and among his fans.
Despite the negative attention, Roki appears determined to learn from the episode and move forward with his career.
Roki is one of the brightest talents to emerge at the turn of the century. He was part of the elite group of stars who pioneered urban contemporary music, popularly known as urban grooves.
He comes from the same generation as Plaxedes Wenyika, Leonard Mapfumo, Alishias “Maskiri” Musimbe, Ottis Ngwabi, Pauline Gundidza, Dino Mudondo, Sani Makhalima, Alexio Kawara, Diana Samkange, Betty Makhaya, Tererai Mugwadi, Daniel “Decibel” Mazhindu and Nesto, among others.
He also tasted fame at a young age and went on to marry Gundidza, with whom he had two daughters before they split.
In 2021, he made a sensational comeback with the song “Patati Patata”, featuring Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomide and Tanzanian star Rayvanny.
The singer is also credited with mentoring and discovering the late Soul Jah Love, who started out as his dancer.
