This announcement, delivered on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, coincided with the second birthday anniversary of his son, Mukudzei, marking what the rapper describes as his "salvation."

For some time now, Holy Ten has been a central figure in numerous public controversies, often playing out on social media. His declaration of a transformed image, moving away from his self-proclaimed "bad boy" persona, has inevitably brought renewed attention to his past actions and statements that frequently generated public debate and criticism.

The Promise of Change: "No More Teenage Behaviour"

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Holy Ten shared his commitment to a new chapter in his life and career.

"Today I’ve woken up a different man," he told his followers.
"Well mannered, professional, respectful and organised.
No more teenage behaviour, no more anger issues, no more hypocrisy, no more provoking other influencers, no more recklessness.
It’s my son’s birthday, this day marks my salvation. Happy 2nd Birthday, Mukudzei."

The sincerity and longevity of this transformation will, of course, be gauged by time and future actions. However, the announcement itself signals a significant shift in stance for an artist whose career has often been intertwined with public drama.

A History of Headaches: Walking in the "Shadow of Shame"

To fully appreciate the gravity of Holy Ten's declaration, it's pertinent to recall some of the moments that have contributed to his "shadow of shame" over the years. 

These incidents often involved public spats with fellow musicians, controversial claims about his personal life, and unfiltered outbursts on social media.

Public Feuds and Disrespectful Claims

• Taking Aim at Winky D: Earlier in his career, Holy Ten engaged in heated social media rants where he threatened to "end" Winky D’s career. He famously labelled the veteran artist a "snake," accusing him of deception and manipulation. This was a stark contrast to his more recent public acknowledgment of Winky D as Zimbabwe's number one artist and a major influence.
• Blasting the NAMAs: In 2024, Holy Ten publicly denounced the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMAs), claiming he was intentionally snubbed despite believing he outperformed major names like Jah Prayzah and Winky D. His social media outburst included aggressive comments: "NAMAS are just B*** S***... Dawg you didn’t give Holy Ten anything, not even a nomination... I am bigger than the NAMAs, honestly how could they not award me of all people... I have more money than you and I’m way better than you, put some respect on my name.”
• Challenging Fellow Rappers to Drug Tests: Last year, amidst allegations of drug use directed at him, Holy Ten challenged fellow rappers Saintfloew and Voltz JT to a public drugs test. He denied drug use himself but publicly accused his peers of it, even claiming Voltz JT took codeine in his presence. This public spat led to a significant "Cancel Holy Ten" campaign, resulting in a loss of over 10,000 social media followers.
• "Father of Zim Hip Hop" Claims: Holy Ten has often been accused of having an inflated ego, publicly describing himself as the "father of Zim Hip-Hop" and instructing Saintfloew to humble himself, claiming he was the one who brought him into the industry.

Controversial Personal Life and Baby Mama Disputes

• Claims About His Marriage: A significant highlight of his social media controversies was his public claim that he was no longer in love with his wife, Kimberly Richards, and had only married her to spite his rival rapper Voltz JT. He later stated he "fell in love along the way."
• Diss Track Against Baby Mama: In 2023, Holy Ten released a song widely perceived as dissing his baby mama, Tariro Chelsea. The song sparked outrage, with many accusing him of disrespecting the mother of his child and seeking clout. In the lyrics, he seemingly insinuated that Chelsea intentionally trapped him with a child.
• Ugly Rows with Chelsea: Beyond the diss track, Holy Ten and Chelsea have been involved in other public disputes. In one notable instance, Chelsea accused Holy Ten of exploiting their sick son for promotional material for his album “Proud Father,” allegations which Holy Ten dismissed as sabotage attempts.

Unfiltered Online Outbursts

• Threats to Prophet Angel: In April 2025, Holy Ten claimed to have received threats from Prophet Uebert Angel and his followers, which he publicly shared on social media, although he later issued an apology.
• Homophobic Slurs and Public Snubs: As recently as March, Holy Ten used homophobic slurs and publicly dissed other artists on social media, also expressing disappointment after being snubbed at an event.

Rapper Announces Transformation on Son's Birthday Amidst History of Public Controversies

Despite this extensive history of controversy, Holy Ten maintains that his music continues to resonate with audiences. He has announced upcoming projects, including his recent album release, and plans to introduce five new artists. His stated intention to reduce his social media activity and make more measured public appearances suggests a deliberate effort to reshape his public image.

The artist concludes by acknowledging the need for personal growth while reaffirming his commitment to artistic expression and connection with his fanbase. Whether this declared transformation truly marks an end to the "shadow of shame" will ultimately be revealed by his sustained actions in the public eye.