Nudity has courted controversy in the conservative Zimbabwean culture when displayed or showcased in works of art.
It often provokes fierce resistance from sections of society.
While in other countries like neighbouring South Africa and the United States, nudity in art sells just like any other form of art, in Zimbabwe, it is met with mixed reactions and only the bold ones would brave themselves for such type of an art.
High-flying contemporary singer Jah Prayzah has been entangled in a social media meltdown after the release of Walletically music video deemed too explicit. He is being roasted on different social media platforms for the video that features half-naked women leaving nothing to the imagination.
The video is from the song plucked off Jah Prayzah’s Maita Baba album.
Shot in South Africa and directed by Umsebenzi ka Blaqs, the Walletically video premiered on December 24. It features some Mzansi video vixens and comedienne Madam Boss.
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While the song touches on financial themes, Jah Prayzah born Mukudzeyi Mukombe has come under criticism on social network platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp for what has been described as a showcase of “soft porn” on the video.
Some of the critics have since advised Jah Prayzah to delete the video claiming he was making a moral dent on his brand.
Others said for a video to be successful, it does not have to show less body cover.
“Why this nudity Jah Prayzah? This is disgusting from you. All respect is lost. Don’t be too desperate for fame. I had loved you for producing family content, not this which can only pass as pornography,” said Hosia Mviringi (@MviringiHosia).
“Delete, Delete, Delete. STOP IT. STOP IT. Why do this to your sisters, nieces? Shame Shame on you,” wrote Chipo WekwaDube (@Wekwa_Mhlanga).
Eddie Gondo (@FlyingEagle67) said: “Sad bit is the sisters who have thin veils of textile on them while the brothers are fully clothed. That is tantamount to exploitation.”
Prof Shinga Feresu (@Shashie08) noted: “Too many naked women. Your music is family music played at parties with respectable children. This is out of line.”
“Disgusting. Nudity does not entertain us at all. Why objectifying women?” @Stanfordshawas
The Stoic (@munashe_njanji) noted: “Don’t forget we are Zimbabweans, and we have our values and we have loved you, based on that you have consistently kept most of those values, but this route, might some supporting it, but it is not part of our values and diminishes them, so please next try to avoid this.”
Are critics too harsh on Jah Prayzah’s Walletically video? What is your take?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=und2UhfhXU4