Zimbabwe is witnessing a growing wave of rogue social media influencers whose actions are steering the nation in troubling directions. These online personalities, often dubbed ‘Ama2k’ or Gen Z, operate in survival mode, constantly seeking trends and viral moments to stay relevant. While some of their antics may be entertaining, the long-term impact on young, impressionable audiences is concerning.
Socialites like Ritz Mcleish Strawbae, Colorful, Malloti, and Natasha Nyemba, alongside musicians such as Holy Ten and Platinum Prince, have shown a willingness to do almost anything to capture attention online. Their tactics range from sensationalism to outright controversy, often sacrificing integrity for a fleeting moment in the spotlight.
Zimbabwe’s Rogue Influencers: Chasing Clout at the Expense of Values
Ritz Mcleish, for example, recently made headlines after her nude videos circulated on social media. While she claimed to have been blackmailed, many members of the public speculated that the leak was a calculated move to trend
Speaking about the incident, Ritz said, “Yesterday, around 4 am I tried to talk to the guy to remove the videos from his Telegram channel and Facebook… The guy akazofona on WhatsApp and demanded a lot of money, which ndaisatokwanisa kubhadhara.” Prior to this, Ritz had joined DJ Tawaz’s challenge of covering herself in honey and powdered milk, an effort reportedly aimed at drawing attention from millionaire entrepreneur Wicknell Chivayo.
Similarly, Malloti and her boyfriend Hulungende have gained notoriety for their aggressive online personas, often insulting anyone who disagrees with them. The couple has been branded Zimbabwe’s “most insulting pair,” known for publicly shaming others to boost their visibility. Colorful and Natasha Nyemba operate in a similar fashion, building brands around insults and the disclosure of intimate bedroom details with their partners.
On the music scene, artists like Holy Ten contribute to the trend by generating weekly controversies. The rapper has been known to publicly insult his wife, going as far as calling her derogatory names, all in the name of remaining relevant. Platinum Prince and others similarly use shock value and personal drama to capture attention, creating a culture where controversy and scandal are prioritized over talent or meaningful content.
The key question emerging is: what is the ultimate cost of this chase for dopamine and fleeting attention? Experts warn that the long-term consequences for these “clout chasers” may be severe, both professionally and socially.
Jabulile Sigola of Hue80 Creative explained that while these influencers may entertain, they are ultimately low-value partners for serious business ventures. “Every business wants to be associated with a clean brand. No one would come to these influencers to advertise their products seriously. Their content is entertaining, yes, but it isn’t family-friendly, and it doesn’t build lasting value,” she said.
Tonderai Sxoop, another talent manager, reinforced this point. He noted that many of these influencers work primarily with brands seeking clickbait marketing, but major corporations avoid them. “Dopamine chasers, or clout chasers, rarely last long. Big brands and reputable companies don’t align with such content unless it’s for temporary buzz or shock value,” Sxoop said.
Diana Nheera, founder of Star Key P.R. and former manager of Nutty O, offered a broader perspective on the phenomenon. “In this digital age, attention is a form of currency, but not all attention is valuable. A clean, consistent, and authentic brand lays the foundation for longevity. When young creatives rely on controversy — nudes, insults, or shock content — they might trend temporarily, but they lose the trust and respect that sustain a career. Your digital footprint is your permanent CV, and eventually, audiences and brands align with integrity, not noise,” she explained.
The rise of such influencers poses a serious risk to Zimbabwe’s cultural and social fabric. Young children who follow these socialites are particularly vulnerable, often mimicking behaviors that are inappropriate or destructive. The pursuit of clout over substance sends a dangerous message: that fame and attention are more important than ethics, values, or long-term professional success.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s social media landscape is increasingly dominated by influencers and artists chasing trends through controversy rather than building legitimate, lasting brands. While their antics may grab attention in the short term, experts warn that such a strategy undermines credibility, reduces opportunities for meaningful partnerships, and sets a harmful example for the nation’s youth. For sustainable influence, young creatives are urged to focus on authenticity, integrity, and value creation rather than the fleeting highs of viral fame.
This growing trend is a wake-up call for parents, educators, and industry stakeholders to guide the next generation toward responsible digital citizenship and meaningful brand-building — lest the culture of clout continue to overshadow talent, discipline, and positive influence.
Source- Nehandaradio
