Rockford “Roki” Josphat Biography| Age, Personal Life, Career, Controversies
Rockford Josphat, also known as Roki, is a multi-talented Zimbabwean musician, songwriter, and dancer who rose to fame in the early 2000s by popularizing the Urban Grooves genre in the New Millennium.
Roki burst onto the music scene in 2001 with his debut and quickly gained popularity with hits such as “Seiko,” a collaboration with Leonard Mapfumo and Suzanna.
Background
Roki was born in Madagascar on July 7, 1985, but grew up in Park Town, Waterfalls, Harare.
He is the second-born and only son in a family of three, with two sisters named Olga and Belinda.
Roki’s mother, Florence Josphat nee Masona, was formerly employed by the Zimbabwe National Army’s transport department, and his father, Herbert Dustin Josphats, was a soldier.
Sadly, Roki’s mother passed away in 2017.
Personal Life
Children
According to reports in 2014 and 2015, Roki is believed to have fathered children with at least five different women, with some sources claiming the number to be six.
Roki himself has publicly acknowledged five children and given their names as Sky, Rockford, Josphat, Joy, and Dawn.
Relationships
Roki’s romantic history has been eventful, as he has been in several relationships and marriages.
He was previously married to Pauline Gundidza, the lead vocalist of Mafriq, and they have two children.
After their separation, he married his former dancer, Melody “Chocolate” Musekiwa, and they have a child together named Dawn. However, their relationship also ended after two years.
In 2014, Roki was rumored to be in a relationship with fellow musician Ammara Brown, and there were reports that they planned to get married.
In 2019, Roki rekindled a relationship with Amanda Naude after living apart for 11 years. They had previously dated following Roki’s split with Pauline. Roki and Amanda have a son together.
Music Career
Roki’s collaboration with Mapfumo proved to be a stepping stone to success, as he released his debut single “Suzanna” in 2001 which became an instant hit.
In recognition of his talent, he was awarded the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) for the Most Promising Artist in 2003.
Roki went on to produce a series of popular hits, including “Ayawo” which was particularly popular among young people.
In 2007, he released his first album, featuring the hit track “Chidzoka”. The song was voted the best of the year, and its music video won the award for best video in 2007.
Passion Java Records
In June 2021, Roki released two new singles, “Zviriko” and “Uchandifunga,” under the controversial pastor Passion Java’s label. The songs were well-received by Roki’s fans.
However, Roki’s music video for “Uchandifunga” caused controversy on social media, as it set a new record in Zimbabwe by reaching one million views on YouTube in just four days.
Some critics accused him of buying views on YouTube, while others applauded him for his major comeback.
Controversy
In April 2012, Roki’s ex-wives, Pauline Gundidza and Melody Musekiwa, were evicted from their lodgings in Waterfalls after Roki failed to pay their rent. The two had been staying together since November 2013 to reduce costs.
They had accumulated a US$628 debt at the time of their eviction from Number 702 Parkway, Waterfalls.
Roki has a history of being involved with multiple women.
Abuse
In a disturbing incident, Roki was accused of physically assaulting his girlfriend, Nyasha Valerie, and stealing all the furniture from her house before disappearing.
Following the assault, Roki fled to South Africa. He returned to Zimbabwe in 2017, following the death of his mother.
