CIVIC LEADERSHIP Cultural Decay or Creative Freedom? Mayor Jacob Mafume Condemns Ma...
Cultural Decay or Creative Freedom? Mayor Jacob Mafume Condemns Malloti and Hulungende’s 'Explicit Madness'
By Maria Chiguvari • March 19, 2026
The City Speaks Out. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has issued a stern rebuke against controversial artists Malloti and Hulungende, characterizing their viral promotion of explicit language and substance abuse as a systemic threat to the city's moral fabric.
A Lack of Role Models. Speaking at the high-profile launch of Gift Gate’s book, "Turning the Tide," the Mayor expressed profound alarm over the trajectory of Zimbabwe's music industry. “We no longer have role models in the industry,” Mafume lamented, citing the chaotic digital presence of the Zimdancehall couple as a primary example of **Institutional Failure** in creative leadership.
Promoting Vice
Mayor Mafume specifically highlighted the couple's contribution to the national drug crisis.
Counter-Productive Behavior
“Artists like Malloti and Hulengende behave wildly and use explicit language. They promote the use of drug and substance abuse and we are trying to fight that issue, but they are promoting it,” the Mayor stated.
A Call for Legislation
Expressing frustration with current regulations, he added: “We need laws that help us because clearly, as a nation, we are failing.”
"I Am Invisible"
The Mayor's comments follow a brazen display by Malloti. She is arguably the most controversial female artist in the history of the country’s entertainment industry, gaining notoriety for converting her social media sites into platforms for hurling X-rated insults at perceived rivals.
Above the Law?
Last week, following the arrest of Princess Phiri (Kissmore Soko), Malloti released a video claiming she was "invisible." She boasted that she was the only one who could say whatever she wanted online and get away with it.
She uses explicit language with reckless abandon and, somehow, has managed to evade the hands of the law that have dragged others before the courts.
The Consequences of Cyberbullying
Malloti's boast stands in stark contrast to recent judicial action against cyberbullying.
Sentenced
Princess Phiri (Kissmore) recently pleaded guilty to charges of cyber-bullying and harassment after posting a TikTok video insulting businesswoman Zodwa Mkandla. She was sentenced to twelve months in jail.
Community Service
Six months were suspended on the condition she does not commit a similar offense in five years. The remaining six months were suspended on the condition that she completes 210 hours of community service at Glen Norah Poly Clinic.
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