Holy Ten Blasts NAMA Snub, Claims He Outperformed Winky D and Jah Prayzah
Controversial Zimbabwean rapper Holy Ten has launched a scathing attack on the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), accusing the organizers of deliberately snubbing him despite what he claims was a highly successful 2024.
The awards, held on Saturday evening in Harare, saw Winky D walk away with the People’s Choice Award for the second consecutive year. However, Holy Ten, who was not nominated for any category, took to Instagram to vent his frustration, calling out the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe CEO Napoleon Nyanhi and questioning the credibility of the awards.
Holy Ten’s Explosive Instagram Rant
In a fiery post, Holy Ten did not hold back, claiming he had a better year than some of the country’s biggest names.
“I did more than Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Nyasha David, and that other new skinny David, and you still didn’t talk about the boy,” he wrote.
His disappointment turned into outright condemnation of the awards ceremony, dismissing the event as illegitimate.
“NAMAs are just B S**. Napoleon, hamuzvigone izvi just leave it. If it was R Peels complaining then maybe you could’ve said he’s bitter about losing. But you didn’t even give Holy Ten a nomination. Which music are you even listening to?”
“I Am Bigger Than the NAMAs”
In an Instagram Live session, Holy Ten further expressed his anger, declaring himself more significant than the NAMAs.
“I am bigger than the NAMAs, honestly, how could they not award me of all people after everything I gave ya’ll? I am so hurt, I don’t want to lie. And to Napoleon, bro, I have more money than you and I’m way better than you. Put some respect on my name.”
The rapper even went as far as blaming the snub for pushing young people into drug abuse, suggesting that a lack of recognition drives artists into depression.
“This is why most youths end up doing drugs, I don’t want to lie. I submitted my projects from last year and none of my work was recognized. As a country, you guys don’t love me or respect my work cause this doesn’t make sense. I’m hurt.”
Reactions to the Outburst
Holy Ten’s reaction has sparked mixed responses, with some sympathizing with his frustration while others believe his rant was ego-driven. The NAMAs have long faced accusations of favoritism, and his remarks reignite the debate on transparency in Zimbabwean awards ceremonies.
However, Winky D, Jah Prayzah, and other artists he mentioned have not responded to his claims, maintaining their silence on the controversy. Meanwhile, Napoleon Nyanhi and the National Arts Council have yet to address the rapper’s accusations.
Whether Holy Ten’s criticism will lead to changes in the NAMA selection process remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—he is not backing down without a fight.
