Controversial Zimdancehall artists Hulengende and Malloti Rose have come under scrutiny after being named in Parliament over allegations that they are promoting and normalising drug and substance abuse through their social media content.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Zvimba South MP Taurai Malinganiso commended the government for rolling out programmes aimed at curbing drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
However, he cautioned that these efforts are being countered by a surge in online content that glorifies drug use.
He singled out Zimdancehall artists Hulengende and his wife Malloti Rose, accusing them of using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook to normalise substance abuse through explicit content and public displays involving illegal and prescription drugs.
The legislator further alleged that some of the content includes the use of substances such as cannabis and the misuse of cough syrups containing codeine, with incidents reportedly occurring in the presence of children.
He also claimed there have been cases where public figures distributed illegal substances during live broadcasts.
Malinganiso called for stricter regulation of digital platforms, enhanced enforcement of existing drug and cyber laws, and greater accountability for influencers whose content may have harmful societal impacts.
“We are witnessing an alarming trend whereby certain socialites, musicians and digital influencers, the likes of dancehall artists Hulengende and Maloti, individuals who command significant influence over the younger generation, are openly promoting and normalising drug and substance abuse on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook,” the legislator noted.
“More disturbing is the manner in which this content is being disseminated, the use of explicit and vulgar language, particularly in vernacular expressions, erodes societal values.”
The parliamentary intervention comes amid separate controversies surrounding Malloti Rose, who recently withdrew from a United Kingdom performance following backlash over remarks she made about Zimbabwean nurse aides working abroad.
In a statement to organisers of the Y2K SAMA Festival, Malloti Rose refused to apologise for the comments, which were widely criticised as derogatory.
She instead announced her withdrawal from the event and said she would not refund a US$1 650 security deposit paid by the organisers. Her husband, Hulengende, also pulled out of the show in solidarity, although he indicated willingness to refund his portion of the deposit.
Malloti Rose is reportedly wanted by South African authorities in connection with a 2017 armed robbery case. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that a warrant of arrest was issued by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court for a suspect identified as Namatai Bhobho.
Authorities have indicated that the case has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, with processes underway to locate the suspect and initiate possible extradition from Zimbabwe.
It, however, remains unclear whether the name on the warrant corresponds to Malloti Rose, whose legal identity has been reported differently in Zimbabwean court records.
