Musicians often express themselves in their music and speak out on political issues that affect their lives and that of their fans.
While this can be powerful and important, it also can come with consequences. Many musicians choose not to speak out on political issues for fear of alienating fans or appearing too biased.
Some even regret speaking out on political issues, feeling that politics have no place in their music and aren’t a good fit as is the case now with rapper Holy Ten.
Holy Ten posted on his Twitter account today that he regrets his collaboration ‘ibotso’ with Winky D because it has been interpreted to mean he has picked a political side.
He tweeted: “Activists, journalists, lawyers – Split opinions will not do any good for a brand that’s trying to serve & save everyone so help me by not acting like I’ve picked a side. Do not politicize a project that I’ve considered a mere honour to be a part of. I regret it now honestly.” (sic)
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono in his interpretation of the song said the collaboration was talking about looters.
“The song talks about looters who steal public funds using political power, and use the police for brutality with the help of spies, tweeted Chin’ono.
Holy Ten’s tweet has been received with varying opinions, his friend @hatiperi_wacho believes the song is not about politics.
“I think that song speaks of a different issue. Speaks of flashy old guards coming for young girls.The ghetto life repeats itself for the boys banking on their girls,but they always lose.That’s all. NO POLITICS! We, your fans understand don’t mind the rest. Keep leading the youth,” he commented on Twitter. (sic)
Popular blogger Thomas Chizhanje however believes Holy Ten has disrespected Winky D.
“If you are truly your father’s son please copy your dad… Do not disrespect him on social media by saying you regret an opportunity that he gave you,” wrote Chizhanje on his Facebook page.
Whatever the case, It always is a difficult terrain for an artist, especially in a polarised environment like Zimbabwe.
Others may feel they have made a mistake by becoming too outspoken or leaving themselves vulnerable to criticism and misinterpretation.
They may feel that by doing so they have gone outside the scope of their art and further damaged existing divides.
Ultimately, being a musician means being true to your art, and deciding what is and isn’t acceptable to include in your music.
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