Zimbabwean rapper Holy Ten, real name Mukudzei Chitsama, has checked into a rehabilitation facility in South Africa after what he described as a difficult battle with substance abuse and alcoholism. The move comes at the end of a turbulent week in which the 26-year-old artist made headlines for erratic behaviour, including threats directed at members of the First Family and the security services.
The artist, one of the most prominent figures in Zimbabwe’s hip-hop scene, confirmed the development in a statement released on Wednesday. He explained that while he had resisted rehabilitation in the past, he had finally reached a point where professional help was unavoidable.
“I have decided to go and check myself into a rehabilitation centre, one of the best in the world, to show the youth that this is your way if this is your problem,” Holy Ten said. “Rehab is a very difficult decision especially when you know you’re not using what they say you’re using. I’ve always just avoided it because that’s a place where I know the junkies go. As a man that drank a lot of alcohol, but still had the ability to make proper decisions the next morning… I thought I could just conquer it easily.”
Rapper Holy Ten Enters Rehab in SA Following Mnangagwa Family Drama.
He acknowledged, however, that alcohol abuse had taken a toll not only on his health but also on those around him. “The same alcohol has destroyed others before – their health, their families, their talents and their lives. So I’ve made this bold decision to get professional help.”
The announcement comes after several days of controversy sparked by Holy Ten’s outbursts on social media, where he made inflammatory remarks about members of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s family. The rapper, who in the past aligned himself closely with the ruling Zanu PF party, later retracted his statements and issued a heartfelt apology.
“I remain apologetic for everything I said,” he wrote. “Please forgive me Zimbabwe, please forgive me my Commander-in-Chief, my president, my brothers (Sean and Collins), my mother who is in a state of pain and disbelief, my wife who has been watching all this happening and trying to help me, and our political party.”
Observers said the apology signalled an attempt by the musician to repair ties with the establishment after a public fallout that shocked many of his supporters
Holy Ten has long been regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest young talents, with hits such as Bho Zvangu and Energy earning him a loyal following. His music often blends streetwise lyricism with political undertones, and in recent years he has openly expressed admiration for the ruling party, a stance that attracted both praise and criticism.
However, rumours about his personal struggles have circulated for some time. Friends and fans noted his increasingly erratic public appearances and inconsistent live performances. His recent clash with the First Family seemed to confirm that the artist was under immense personal strain.
The rapper’s decision to seek rehabilitation has reignited public debate in Zimbabwe about substance abuse, particularly among young people. Rising unemployment, economic hardship, and social pressures have contributed to a surge in drug and alcohol use, with many youths turning to cheap illicit substances.
Health experts welcomed Holy Ten’s decision, saying it could help reduce the stigma surrounding rehabilitation. “What he has done is courageous,” said Harare-based psychiatrist Dr. Nyasha Moyo. “When public figures acknowledge their struggles and take corrective action, it sends a powerful message to young people that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength.”
On social media, reactions to Holy Ten’s announcement were mixed. Many fans expressed support and wished him a speedy recovery, praising his honesty. Others, however, questioned his sincerity, suggesting that his apology and admission to rehab were more about damage control than genuine contrition.
Still, his supporters argued that Holy Ten deserved space to recover. “We have seen too many young artists lose their careers and their lives because of addiction,” one fan commented online. “If rehab saves Holy Ten, then we should stand by him.”
For now, Holy Ten’s focus appears to be on recovery and rebuilding trust with his family, fans, and political allies. His admission to one of South Africa’s top rehabilitation centres is expected to provide him with both medical treatment and counselling support.
Whether Holy Ten will be able to regain his footing in the music industry remains to be seen. Industry insiders say his talent is undeniable, but his reputation has taken a hit in recent weeks. Much will depend on how he reinvents himself after his stay in rehab and whether he can turn his personal struggles into a platform for advocacy.
As he begins this new chapter, his own words may prove most telling: “Rehab is a very difficult decision… but sometimes you have to make bold choices to protect your future.”
Source – NEHANDA RDO
