In an exclusive and emotionally charged interview, celebrated songbird Tererai Mugwadi has hit back at mounting speculation that she is struggling with addiction and in need of urgent rehabilitation. The controversy erupted following a viral video of her recent performance at the Shoko Festival, which left fans and fellow artists expressing concern over her well-being. However, Mugwadi has taken a firm stance, rejecting the claims as unfounded and insisting she is being unfairly targeted.
Speaking candidly about the rumours, Tererai expressed deep frustration at what she describes as a public “diagnosis” of her life without her consent. She insisted that her mental health is stable and that she remains committed to personal growth, emphasizing that much of her work occurs away from the public eye. She challenged those propagating the narratives to engage with her directly rather than speculating online.
“Genuinely concerned people should call me or come into my inbox and ask what is really going on with me, if there is anything,” she said. “I have come across several comments on social media from people making suggestions about my life. Most of these people are making these suggestions for personal clout, but I am in the right space, trying my best to be a better person.”
The Shoko Festival performance, which sparked the debate, has since become the focal point of discussions on social media. Footage of her on stage, interpreted by some as erratic, triggered a wave of concern from fans, commentators, and fellow musicians. The intensity of the online conversation has, according to Tererai, turned personal, with many using the platform to cast judgment without understanding her circumstances.
Tererai Mugwadi Fires Back at Addiction Rumours Amid Viral Shoko Festival Controversy
Industry insiders and colleagues have weighed in with varying perspectives. Blogger and talent scout Plot Mhako publicly expressed sympathy for Tererai, reflecting on her past challenges and advocating for empathy rather than conjecture. His sentiment was mirrored by South Africa-based singer Nox Guni, who urged fans and the public alike to “show her love” rather than vilify her. Conversely, artist Desmond “Stunner” Chideme directly suggested that she seek professional help at the Matrix Rehabilitation Centre, a comment that sparked further debate and polarized opinions online.
Despite the calls for intervention, Tererai remains steadfast in her position. She questions the qualifications of her critics, drawing a clear distinction between her professional life and her personal well-being. For her, online speculation is not only intrusive but also misinformed, and she refuses to allow it to dictate her choices or undermine her spirit.
“The same people who are making noise and these suggestions are not psychologists, by the way,” Tererai argued. “Whether I have a problem with alcoholism or not is up to the psychologist to determine, not these people who want to seek relevance with others.”
On the topic of the viral performance that triggered the furore, she offered a philosophical reflection, acknowledging that performers inevitably have “good and bad days” on stage. She also questioned the reluctance of commentators to reach out directly before casting judgment:
“In showbiz, there are good and bad days on stage. This has been a trend to see me portrayed in a bad light. The same people have my contacts, why can’t they ask me and hear my side of the story?”
Tererai also reassured her fans that her passion for music remains undimmed. She pointed to her recent work as evidence of her ongoing commitment to her craft, while noting that her professional focus currently spans both her music career and her day job in the Central Business District. Balancing these responsibilities, she emphasized, is part of her efforts to stay grounded and continually improve herself, both personally and professionally.
While the debate continues online, Tererai Mugwadi’s response highlights a broader issue affecting public figures: the tension between visibility and privacy. For artists, scrutiny can be relentless, and personal missteps—real or perceived—are often amplified in the court of social media. By addressing the rumours head-on, Tererai seeks not only to reclaim her narrative but also to challenge the culture of armchair diagnosis that has come to define the digital age.
For now, she remains resolute. Social media chatter and viral clips may spark conversation, but Tererai insists they will not break her spirit or derail her pursuit of growth. Her message to critics is clear: direct communication, empathy, and understanding should replace conjecture and public speculation.
As Tererai Mugwadi continues to navigate her musical journey and personal development, she remains determined to focus on her art, her well-being, and the constructive engagement of her fans—proving that even amidst controversy, resilience and self-awareness remain her guiding principles.
Source- iHarare
