Sulumani Chimbetu , one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated dendera musicians, made his first public appearance on Monday at the National Heroes Acre, putting an end to swirling social media rumours that had recently embroiled him in controversy. The claims, which went viral last week, alleged that Chimbetu had made romantic advances toward Grace Mugabe, the former First Lady of Zimbabwe. The sensational story further suggested that the musician was reported for harassment at a Harare police station following a chance encounter with Grace Mugabe in Mazowe.
Addressing the rumours directly, Chimbetu vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless fabrications designed to tarnish his reputation. “I’m just seeing the messages and posts going viral about the allegations. It’s not true. Nothing of that sort has ever happened, and these are just people trying to create content in a bad way,” he told reporters.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have not confirmed any reports related to harassment or police involvement in the matter, and Grace Mugabe herself has remained silent on the issue. The lack of official confirmation, coupled with Chimbetu’s outright denial, has cast serious doubts over the credibility of the viral claims.
This incident is part of a worrying trend in Zimbabwe and beyond, where public figures increasingly find themselves targets of misinformation, deliberate falsehoods, and online character assassination. The rapid spread of unverified stories through social media platforms continues to challenge the integrity of public discourse and personal reputations.
Popular Dendera Musician Sulumani Chimbetu Makes First Public Appearance After Denying Grace Mugabe Romance Rumours
Authorities in Zimbabwe have expressed growing concern over the misuse of digital platforms, especially with the emergence of sophisticated tools such as artificial intelligence that can generate misleading content. The government and digital rights groups warn that irresponsible sharing of unverified information can lead to serious legal consequences, not to mention irreversible damage to individuals’ personal and professional lives.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for improved digital literacy among internet users to help them critically assess the authenticity of content before sharing it. “We are in an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts. This has serious repercussions, particularly for public figures who are easy targets,” said a spokesperson for a local digital rights organization. “Users must take responsibility and verify information to prevent the amplification of harmful rumours.”
Rather than engaging further with the rumours, Sulumani Chimbetu chose to channel his energy into his music and his fans. On Heroes Day, he appeared at the National Heroes Acre, a symbolic site where Zimbabwe honours its national heroes, to perform a live set that reminded his audience why he remains one of the country’s most respected musicians.
National radio station ZiFM Stereo shared a video of Chimbetu’s heartfelt performance at the Heroes Acre on their social media platforms. The station captioned the post: “Amidst whispers and wild rumours, Sulumani Chimbetu let his guitar do the talking at #HeroesDay, honouring heroes (yes, that one too) with a performance louder than any gossip. Dad, Simon ‘Chopper’ would be proud.”
The tribute paid to his late father, Simon ‘Chopper’ Chimbetu, one of Zimbabwe’s legendary musicians, added an emotional layer to the event. Sulumani’s dedication to preserving his father’s musical legacy has earned him immense respect from fans and fellow artists alike.
The case of Sulumani Chimbetu highlights the broader challenges faced by celebrities and public figures in the digital age. False allegations and viral rumours can spread rapidly, often with little regard for the truth or the harm caused.
Zimbabwean musicians, politicians, and entertainers have increasingly reported falling victim to malicious online campaigns designed to damage their reputations. This situation has led to calls for stronger regulations on social media platforms and more robust mechanisms to tackle misinformation.
Some experts argue that legal reforms must be coupled with public education to foster a culture of responsible content sharing. “Laws alone won’t solve the problem. We need a collective effort that involves governments, tech companies, media, and the public to create safer and more trustworthy online spaces,” noted a media analyst.
As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the challenges of misinformation, incidents like these serve as important reminders of the impact that false information can have on individual lives and society at large. There is growing momentum among civil society and digital advocacy groups to promote fact-checking initiatives, media literacy programs, and user awareness campaigns.
For Sulumani Chimbetu, the path forward seems clear — let his music continue to speak for itself. In an era where rumours can overshadow talent, his commitment to his craft and his refusal to be sidetracked by baseless gossip demonstrate resilience and professionalism.
As Zimbabweans reflected on Heroes Day, many saw in Chimbetu’s performance a symbol of endurance and hope — a reminder that truth and creativity can outshine the noise of unfounded rumours.
Source- ZimEye
