Online Reporter
Trust Khosa, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment
SUNGURA musician Paradzai Mesi appears to be slipping back to his troubled past after he disgraced himself, and those who have been supporting his rehabilitation, with a shameful show at a Harare joint at the weekend.
Dressed in a suit, Mesi went on stage as Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele launched his 26th album at Steak House Pub & Grill in Waterfalls, Harare.
What followed left the guests asking a lot of questions.
Does the Njerama Boys leader require rehabilitation to overcome his dependence on alcohol?
Is alcohol the root cause of his problems?
Or is there something else influencing his actions?
At one stage, there were attempts to drag him off stage after it became clear that Mesi had lost his way.
Video footage captured by Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub shows Mesi being a nuisance, appearing to be under the influence of something, and clearly in need of help.
Initially, he was seen seated on a couch, drinking beer, and many hoped he was simply refreshing himself before his performance.
However, those hopes were quickly dashed.
Mesi was among the artists scheduled to perform at Soma’s album launch but he lost his way badly.
He could barely walk and repeatedly pestered stage managers for the opportunity to perform.
When he was finally allowed on stage, he struggled to stand, relying on the microphone stand for support.
To the dismay of the audience, he addressed them in English with words that were not co-ordinated and which did not mean anything at all.
Alick Macheso’s vocalist and drummer, Barnabas Mandipota, tried to support Mesi as he played the song “Tiri Huruva,” but his efforts were in vain.
Displaying remarkable professionalism and patience, Soma allowed Mesi to continue with his shocking performance.
However, when Barnabas’s microphone was switched off, Mesi’s off-key singing created such a discord that bouncers had to escort him off the stage.
Mesi’s antics didn’t end there, as he continued to argue with the bouncers, complaining, “Why can’t they allow me to continue? Is it by favour that some are allowed on stage?”
When questioned about whether he had relapsed into his old drinking habits, which previously led to destitution in Glendale, Mesi replied:
“Zviriko wangu. Ndambomwira mwira but handina kudhakwa muboora.”
His team was visibly shocked by their band leader’s shocking behaviour.
Mesi’s history of alcohol abuse is well-documented.
In 2023, he had a brush with the law for allegedly stealing from a shop in Glendale.
Although the charges were dropped, fellow musician Mudiwa Hood bailed him out and provided him with designer suits.
Mudiwa even went the extra mile to provide Mesi with grooming lessons.
However, given Mesi’s recent behaviour, Mudiwa would be justified in abandoning his efforts. His disruptive behaviour at Soma’s album launch raises serious concerns about his well-being and commitment to his career.
His actions not only spoiled Soma’s special night but also risks undoing the progress he has made with the help of others.
This was supposed to be a night when the musical fraternity would showcase their talent and celebrate the achievements of one of their own.
But Mesi spoiled it all with his disruptive behaviour.
Mathew Masinge