Holy Ten dropped from South Africa show after court appearance

Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Holy Ten has been removed from the lineup of the upcoming Traffic Lights event in Pretoria, South Africa, following his recent court appearance on allegations of rape.

The award-winning rapper, born Mukudzei Chitsama, had been scheduled to perform at the event on 9 August at Propaganda. However, organisers, Oil Company Promotions, announced that he had been replaced by fellow artists Junior Spragga and Raymer.

Event organiser Bonfree Matavanda said the decision was taken to allow the legal process to unfold while ensuring the event proceeds as planned.

"We have decided to allow the law and the courts to take their course. At the same time, we did not want to cancel the event, so we have come up with a new lineup," Matavanda said.

Holy Ten, 27, recently appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court after being charged with allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl.

According to prosecutors, the alleged incident took place at the musician's residence in Hatfield after the teenager, whom he allegedly met through social media, was invited to participate in an upcoming music video.

The rapper was granted US$500 bail by magistrate Jesse Kufa on conditions that he surrender his passport, refrain from interfering with State witnesses, and report to the police once a week.

The case has been remanded to 7 August while investigators await forensic and age-verification reports.

Holy Ten is represented by Harare lawyer Admire Rubaya.

The latest development adds to a string of controversies that have surrounded the rapper in recent years.

He previously attracted widespread attention over his political affiliations and spent a period in self-imposed exile in South Africa after posting threats on social media directed at members of Zimbabwe's First Family and the country's security services. He later publicly apologised for the remarks.

The musician has also been involved in several high-profile disputes within Zimbabwe's entertainment industry, including public feuds with fellow artists and controversy arising from comments made during a podcast interview that ultimately resulted in legal action against the show's host under Zimbabwe's Cyber and Data Protection Act.

It remains unclear whether additional performances or public appearances involving Holy Ten will be affected as the criminal proceedings continue.

Holy Ten has not been convicted of the charge. He has been granted bail, and the allegations against him remain before the courts.