BY DR TONY MICHEL MONDA
A deep, dark, bellicose baritone raps boldly about social ills in Zimbabwe. Using biblical proverbs, mainly Revelations, he professes apocalyptic visions in the context of today’s Zimbabwean society.
His equally dark visual lyrics penetrates the soul of society and speaks of today’s decaying moral standards, our degraded social fabric, distorted values and norms, the erosion of our traditional culture, the breakdown of the family unit, and of misdirected youth and indifferent parents that were once respected.
Like it or not, rapper Holy Ten, exposes the fetid underbelly of Zimbabwean urban society.
His authoritative lyrics, commanding stage presence, electrifying performances and equally captivating videos combined with entrancing instrumental rhythmic flow, reveal his musical aptitude and the requisite intuitive wit required to tackle thorny socio-political themes.
Holy Ten, is a Zimbabwean Rapper known for his confrontational lyrics and distinctive musical style.
The release of his award-winning hit tracks Hoo Zvangu and the single Ndaremerwa – (I am Heavily Burdened) in 2021, catapulted him to instant national fame. In a few short years the Zimbabwean rapper has gained a huge fan base and national recognition in Zimbabwe’s music industry.
His socially mindful songs address socio-cultural issues affecting Zimbabwean society, particularly the young adults.
Born and bred in Harare, the 25-year-old old rapper, Holy Ten, was named Mukudzei Chitsama at birth on the 18 November 1998, and grew up in a musical family from where he developed his early passion for music. At an early age he began honing his skills as a songwriter-rapper, drawing his inspiration from different musical genres and artistes.
He mentions the music of Stunner and Junior Brown as important local influences to his sound.
At just 18 years of age and studying at Speciss College in the capital, some of Chitsama’s classmates and friends were creating and mixing beats – a skill he soon acquired.
Once armed with digital musical skills the prodigy started composing his own brand of thought-provoking music.
In 2016 the musician rose to prominence with his hit song “Rosa” and the single Ndaremerwa.
In December 2020, Holy Ten received seven nominations at the 10th Pogues Zim Hip Hop Awards, hosted at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), Rainbow Towers.
He won three of the seven categories in which his song Ndaremerwa was nominated.
In 2021, Holy Ten gained further recognition following a series of thought-provoking rap songs Hoo Zvangu, KoMakuitasei and Violence for which he enlisted the expertise of seasoned producer/musicians Takura and ProBeatz, which were to stir the imagination of his growing youthful audiences and he soon became a cult figure for the urban youth.
In an interview with This is Africa, Holy Ten says of his career: “I have had a lot of help from a friend; his name is Jay D Zim. But that’s with teaching me the skills, how to produce myself.
“But everything from the making of the beats, to the engineering of the songs, the design of the artwork, the editing of the videos and the distribution of the songs has been done by me.”
The image of Holy Ten as a rapper/prophet on the cover of his current album – The Book of Malachi, clearly befits his visionary lyrics. Holy Ten’s impressive discography to date includes hits such as Suicide Notes (2019), Risky Life (2021), Juta Pipo (EP 2021), Energy (2022) and the Book of Malachi in 2023.
His music video Ngaasadaro featuring Ndunge Yut and Michael Magz brought more critical attention to the rapper who has now reached cult status.
To date Holy Ten has produced a string of infectious hits including: Wakatuka Amai, Mbuya VanaMunya, Gundamwenda, Ma Chills, Under Pressure – JUTA PIPO, Gamu, Zviri Pa 2,
Sahwira, Mwana Ndakubirai, Pandichamuka, Miss Please, Mr Holy, Bho Zvangu, Hanging Nevaskana, Taura Zvinokunetsa, Ghetto Redu, Kumbakunevanhu, Ndanzwa Nekufunga,
Musatinetse, Youngest Achiever – Risky Life, KoMakuitasei? Don’t Go – Suicide Notes, Tavada, Violence, Vanopedza Zvese, Murder – Murder, and Amai.
The Zimbabwean rapper recently made headlines for his endorsement of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling party, ZANU PF.
He sparked controversy in certain circles when he publicly expressed his support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU PF in the 2023 elections.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, Holy Ten urged Zimbabweans to rally behind the President, highlighting the developmental work being done by the government.
The resultant negative media furore only served to highlight the media’s childish appetite
for baseless sensationalism. This folly which is reflective of the immaturity of many music journalists and social critics and the highly polarized media and political landscape in Zimbabwe brought the musician more fame than notoriety.
In collaboration with popular Zim dancehall artiste Winky D, Holy Ten was featured on the song called Ibotso during a performance at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), on 31 December 2022.
An advocate for the recognition and protection of the girl child, Holy Ten has often been misunderstood and his lyrics misconstrued by music reporters.
Holy Ten has released several EPs and albums and collaborated with Zim Dance Hall musicians such as Winky D, Quonfuzed and the soulful siren Anita Jackson.
As a solo artist Holy Ten’s discography includes the albums, Suicide Notes (2019), Risky Life (2021), Juta Pipo (EP 2021), Energy (2022) and The Book of Malachi (2023).
For most youth and enlightened adult audiences, Holy Ten’s music remains a critical barometer of Zimbabwean society today. Let the music play.
Dr Tony Michel Monda is an arts, culture and music critic for Gemnation News. He holds a PhD. in Art Theory and Philosophy and a DBA in Post-Colonial Heritage Studies. For Comments E-mail: tonym.MONDA@gmail.com
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