Marshall Bwanya
Chitungwiza — Controversial and polarising Zim hip-hop artist Holy Ten finds himself at the centre of yet another firestorm after a disastrous performance in Chitungwiza over the weekend.
The rapper was dramatically booed off stage during Bling 4’s album launch at the Aquatic Complex, forcing him to abandon his set mid-performance.
Tensions escalated when fans, visibly unimpressed, turned hostile, pelting him with bottles, cans, and stones while chanting the name of rival artist Voltz JT and the movement “N.O.P” instead of cheering for him.
In a bold attempt, Holy Ten tried to return and reclaim the stage.
However, the second act proved even worse. Fans doubled down as hostilities intensified, chanting louder for Voltz JT while hurling insults and throwing cans.
A visibly enraged Holy Ten retaliated by hurling his microphone into the crowd before storming off for good, flanked by security.
Never one to stay silent, Holy Ten took to social media shortly after the incident, unleashing a fiery tirade against Chitungwiza fans. In a now-viral Shona post, he warned:
“Ndikudzoka nema red bhareta. Muchaziva kuChitungwiza kwenyu ikoko.”
Loosely translated: “I’ll return with red berets (ZMP officers). You’ll know your place in Chitungwiza.” The phrase “red berets” is slang for Zimbabwe’s feared Zimbabwe Military Police (ZMP) officers.
Holy Ten’s threat to unleash the army on hostile Chitungwiza fans sent shockwaves across social media, with users questioning whether the warning was mere bluster or a chilling promise.
The rapper did not stop there.
He accused Chitungwiza youths of rampant drug use, sneering: “Boys mavakuwanza guka.”
Loosely translated: “You’re overdoing crystal meth.”
The statement further fanned the flames in a community already on edge.
In the aftermath, speculation about Holy Ten’s bold threat has split public opinion.
Some point to his alleged ties to Major Sean Mnangagwa, son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as proof that he could potentially mobilise state forces.
Others dismiss the outburst as empty rage from an artist spiralling under pressure and substance abuse rumours.
Critics argue Holy Ten’s recent erratic behaviour — including slurred live streams and incoherent social media rants — hints more at personal struggles than political clout.
This is not Holy Ten’s first brush with infamy.
The rapper has long courted drama, from accusing high-profile figures of moral misconduct to public feuds with fellow artists.
In January 2023, Holy Ten, following his collaboration with Winky D on the politically charged track Ibotso perceived to criticise Zimbabwe’s ruling party, expressed regret, alleging he had been misled into participating in the project.
Notably, in early August 2023, Holy Ten openly endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU PF ahead of that year’s 23–24 August general elections.
By March 2025, Holy Ten publicly criticised the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) after failing to secure nominations, asserting his superiority over other shortlisted artists and accusing the event of bias.
He demanded the resignation of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe’s director, Napoleon Nyanhi.
His remarks sparked a feud with fellow musician R Peels, who retaliated by condemning Holy Ten as a “poor role model” driven by materialism.
In recent years, Holy Ten has been embroiled in public disputes with artists such as Voltz JT, Saintfloew, and Enzo Ishall, often marked by heated social media exchanges and personal insults.
His penchant for provocation has cemented his status as Zimbabwe’s hip-hop anti-hero — a figure as loved for his audacity as he is loathed for his volatility.
The incident has ignited fierce debate. While some sympathise with Holy Ten, calling the crowd’s actions “disrespectful,” others argue the backlash reflects his dwindling relevance.
“He’s lost touch with the streets,” said one fan who attended Bling 4’s album launch. “Chitungwiza wasn’t feeling his vibes,” the fan added.
Known for his brash persona and controversial social media rants, Holy Ten is no stranger to making headlines.
His latest episode, however, raises serious questions about his state of mind, his relationship with fans, and whether his days as a top-tier performer are numbered.