Zimbabwe is increasingly grappling with a concerning trend in its social media ecosystem: the rise of rogue influencers whose actions risk steering the nation in dangerous directions. These online personalities, often referred to as ‘Ama2k’ or members of Generation Z, are operating in survival mode—constantly chasing viral moments and trends to stay relevant. While their antics may provide entertainment, the broader impact on young, impressionable audiences is troubling and raises questions about the values being promoted to the next generation.
Prominent socialites like Ritz Mcleish Strawbae, Colorful, Malloti, and Natasha Nyemba, alongside musicians such as Holy Ten and Platinum Prince, have demonstrated a willingness to do almost anything to capture online attention. Their strategies often involve sensationalism, controversy, and scandal, prioritizing temporary visibility over credibility and long-term brand building.
Zimbabwe’s Social Media Scene Faces Crisis as Clout-Chasing Influencers Take Center Stage
Ritz Mcleish has become one of the most talked-about figures in this wave of social media drama. Recently, her nude videos circulated online, sparking debates over whether the leak was accidental or a calculated move to gain attention. While Ritz claimed she had been blackmailed, public speculation suggested otherwise. In her statement, she revealed, “Yesterday, around 4 am I tried to talk to the guy to remove the videos from his Telegram channel and Facebook… The guy akazofona on WhatsApp and demanded a lot of money, which ndaisatokwanisa kubhadhara.” This was not her first controversial act—earlier, she joined DJ Tawaz’s challenge, covering herself in honey and powdered milk, an effort reportedly aimed at attracting attention from millionaire entrepreneur Wicknell Chivayo.
Malloti and her boyfriend Hulungende have similarly gained notoriety for their provocative online presence. The couple, often branded Zimbabwe’s “most insulting pair,” has built a following by publicly berating anyone who disagrees with them. Colorful and Natasha Nyemba also employ shock value and personal disclosure as tools to maintain relevance, discussing intimate bedroom details to capture attention.
Musicians are not exempt from this trend. Artists such as Holy Ten generate weekly controversies, often at the expense of personal relationships, including publicly insulting his wife. Platinum Prince and other performers have also used scandal and personal drama as a way to stay in the spotlight. This culture emphasizes controversy over talent, turning social media into a stage for conflict rather than artistry or meaningful content.
Experts warn that the long-term consequences of chasing clout over substance may be severe. Jabulile Sigola of Hue80 Creative explained that while these influencers are entertaining, they are “low-value” partners for serious business ventures. “Every business wants to be associated with a clean brand. No one would come to these influencers to advertise their products seriously. Their content is entertaining, yes, but it isn’t family-friendly, and it doesn’t build lasting value,” she said.
Tonderai Sxoop, another talent manager, echoed this sentiment, noting that most influencers in this category work primarily with clickbait-oriented brands. “Dopamine chasers, or clout chasers, rarely last long. Big brands and reputable companies don’t align with such content unless it’s for temporary buzz or shock value,” he said.
Diana Nheera, founder of Star Key P.R. and former manager of Nutty O, offered additional insight, emphasizing the importance of authentic brand building. “In this digital age, attention is a form of currency, but not all attention is valuable. A clean, consistent, and authentic brand lays the foundation for longevity. When young creatives rely on controversy—nudes, insults, or shock content—they might trend temporarily, but they lose the trust and respect that sustain a career. Your digital footprint is your permanent CV, and eventually, audiences and brands align with integrity, not noise,” she explained.
The rise of such influencers carries serious societal implications. Young children who follow these socialites are particularly vulnerable, often mimicking inappropriate or destructive behavior. The prioritization of clout over substance sends a dangerous message: that fame and online attention are more important than ethics, values, or sustainable professional success.
Zimbabwe’s social media landscape is at a critical juncture. Influencers and artists who rely on controversy to gain attention may see short-term popularity, but experts warn that such a strategy undermines credibility, diminishes opportunities for legitimate partnerships, and sets a harmful precedent for youth. For lasting impact, young creatives are urged to focus on authenticity, integrity, and value creation rather than the fleeting thrill of viral fame.
Ultimately, this growing phenomenon serves as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and industry stakeholders. Guiding the next generation toward responsible digital citizenship, thoughtful brand-building, and ethical content creation is vital to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s online space promotes talent, discipline, and positive influence rather than mere clout-chasing theatrics.
Source- Nehandaradio