MUSICIAN Roki has admitted he made a lot of mistakes when he became famous at a very young age and wants other artists to pick lessons from his life story. He has urged fellow artists not to be swayed by their fame. “I don’t think pane akandiroya, wrong choices urimudiki, patakazvitanga zvaispaka, fame yakapinda musoro even though uchigona kuimba zvinoshaya basa. “So, other musicians must learn from my mistakes…thank God ndakakurumidza kuzviona fast,” he wrote on his Facebook timeline.
Roki is part of the pioneers of the early 2000s Urban Grooves movement that gave birth to the likes of Ex Q, Leonard Mapfumo, Maskiri, Stunner, Plaxedes Wenyika, Tererai, Sani Makhalima, Mafriq, among others. He made a mark in 2001 after releasing hits such as Seiko, Maidei, Chidzoka and Suzanna. Over the years, Roki went on to live his life to the fullest and scooped the 2003 NAMA Best Urban Grooves Artist, ZIMA Song of the Year and Best Video with Chidzoka.
His star continued to grow and he was Zimbabwe’s representative at the 2012 edition of the Big Brother Africa before he was disqualified for getting into a fight with Maneta. At 27, Roki had sired five children with four different women, a wayward behavior which his mother, Florence Josphat, criticised. In 2016, stories emerged of Roki allegedly skipping the country to South Africa after assaulting his girlfriend, Nyasha Valerie. Some said his trip down south worsened his situation and he became a pale shadow of his former self. He returned to the country in 2018, made peace with Valerie before allegedly selling studio equipment and relocating to Chitsvatsva Village in Seke for a poultry business.
Thanks to Passion Java, Roki found his mojo two years ago and is still working on firing from all cylinders. He has released Zviriko, Uchandifunga, Screenshort, Chidzoka Remix, Million and Patati Patata in the last two years alone. The musician reckons the new crop of artists must not be blurred by their fame and put their future, and that of their loved ones, at risk. Recently, the musician launched vocal classes where he is coaching some young musicians on how to become professional singers and songwriters. This is part of his efforts to nurture fresh talent.
Roki has collaborated locally and internationally with giants such as Koffie Olomide, Awilo Longomba, D’Banj, Rayvanny and Vito.
