Roki breaks silence over viral assault drama

Zimbabwean musician Rockford "Roki" Josphats has taken responsibility for his involvement in a recent viral incident involving a woman in Harare, acknowledging that some of his decisions were reckless and could have been avoided.

The "Chidzoka" hit-maker has been at the centre of social media attention after a video emerged showing him being confronted and physically assaulted by an unidentified woman.

The woman was reportedly demanding payment over alleged sexual services, although Roki has strongly denied having sex with her.

Speaking about the incident, Roki apologised for the drama and gave his version of events, saying he had met three women after performing at Jam Tree.

"Firstly, I would like to apologise for the drama that was captured on video, where I was assaulted by a woman," Roki said.

He said the group had consumed Hennessy whisky before proceeding to a studio owned by a friend, where he said they spent time together.

Roki said one of the women subsequently became interested in him and repeatedly demanded sex, but he declined because they were at another person's office.

According to the musician, the situation escalated when the woman allegedly began pulling at his clothes and tearing his waistcoat.

"She then started pulling my clothes and tearing my waistcoat, attracting the attention of neighbours," he said.

Roki said he eventually asked staff at the premises to record the incident because he wanted evidence should the matter end up in court.

"I am actually the one who asked to be recorded so that I could use the footage as evidence in court if it was needed," he said.

The musician said he deliberately avoided physically confronting the woman because he did not want to be portrayed as violent.

He also said he reported the alleged assault to police at Harare Central Police Station.

"I was dressed in my suit, and I couldn't engage in a fight because I wanted the world to know that I am not a violent man," Roki said.

"I also filed a police report at Harare Central after realising that I was an assault victim."

Roki maintained that he did not have sex with the woman despite widespread speculation triggered by the video.

"I know I got myself into trouble after the video went viral, but I did not have sex with that lady," he said.

The musician apologised to his children, friends, colleagues, funders and members of the younger generation who regard him as a role model.

He also acknowledged that he bore some responsibility for putting himself in a situation that could have been avoided.

"I am partly to blame for the choice of ladies I sometimes hang out with after shows, but on that occasion, I did not have sex with her," he said.

Roki said fellow musician Alick Macheso had encouraged him following the incident. He revealed that he recorded a song titled "Mari YaRosa" with Macheso after the incident.

The controversy has generated widespread debate on social media, with the viral footage placing renewed scrutiny on the musician's private life and public image.

Roki, 41, is one of the leading figures to emerge from Zimbabwe's urban grooves movement, having risen to prominence alongside artists including Plaxedes Wenyika, Leonard Mapfumo, Alishias "Maskiri" Musimbe, Pauline Gundidza, Dino Mudondo, Sani Makhalima, Alexio Kawara, Diana Samkange and Tererai Mugwadi.

He was also married to Gundidza, with whom he has two daughters, before their relationship ended.

Roki staged a major comeback in 2021 with "Patati Patata", featuring Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomide and Tanzanian singer Rayvanny.

He is also credited with mentoring the late Soul Jah Love, who began his career as Roki's dancer.

Despite the controversy, Roki said he was determined to learn from the incident and move forward with his music career.

"It's not good to be in the news for the wrong reasons, but this time I was abused," he said.