Roki breaks silence on viral Harare incident, says he was assaulted
MUSICIAN Rockford “Roki” Josphats has accepted responsibility for putting himself in a situation that led to a viral confrontation with a woman in Harare, saying some of his choices were reckless.
The 41-year-old, however, denies having sex with the woman and says he was assaulted during the incident.
Roki spoke to the Newsonline Arts and Entertainment Hub on Friday, 14 August 2026, addressing a video that has been circulating on social media.
He said the incident followed a show at Jam Tree, where he met three women who later went with him to a friend’s studio.
According to Roki, one of the women repeatedly demanded sex but he refused because they were at an office. He alleged the situation turned physical before staff began recording.
“I was actually the one who asked to be recorded so that I could use the footage as evidence in court if it was needed,” Roki said.
He said he later reported the alleged assault at Harare Central Police Station.
While maintaining that he did not have sex with the woman, Roki acknowledged his role in the incident.
“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 also apologised to his family, friends, funders and fans.
He said fellow musician Alick Macheso encouraged him after the incident, and revealed they recorded the song “Mari YaRosa” following the controversy.
The episode has placed the veteran urban grooves star under renewed social media scrutiny.
Roki rose to prominence during Zimbabwe’s urban grooves era and later returned to the spotlight with “Patati Patata” in 2021 featuring Koffi Olomide and Rayvanny.
In his statement, Roki put his version of events on record, disputing claims that he had sex with the woman while accepting responsibility for the choices that led to the confrontation.
