Popular Zimbabwean musician Roki turns 40 today.
Rockford Josphat, popularly known as Roki or Rocqui, is a seminal figure in Zimbabwean music, widely credited with helping to pioneer the Urban Grooves genre that transformed the country’s music scene in the early 2000s. Born on July 7, 1985, and raised in the Parktown area of Waterfalls, Harare, Roki has built a career spanning over two decades, marked by hit songs, dynamic performances, and collaborations with both local and continental artists. His music blends urban grooves with soca, dancehall, Afro-pop, and house, exploring themes of love, life, and cultural identity.
He is reported to have relocated to the Seke communal areas, which he describes as his home village. He has expressed that living in Seke connects him to his roots and heritage, as his second name, Josphat, is shared with the late kraal head Chitsvatsva from the area. Despite facing ridicule and negative comments on social media following his move, Roki remains unmoved and embraces rural life in Seke as a meaningful part of his identity. This relocation reflects his desire to be closer to his ancestral land and community while continuing his music career.
Early Life and Family
Roki is the second born and only son in a family of three children, with two sisters named Olga and Belinda. His mother, Florence Josphat, worked in the Zimbabwe National Army’s transport department before retiring, and his father, Herbert Dustin Josphat, was a soldier. Roki grew up in Harare’s Parktown suburb, where he developed his passion for music from a young age.
Roki has five children with five different women. His known wives are Pauline Gundidza and Melody Musekiwa.
He has publicly named his children as:
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Sky
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Rockford
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Josphat
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Joy
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Dawn
Some reports suggest he may have fathered six children, but the five above are the ones he has acknowledged
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1996: Discovered while singing on a bus with friends, invited to provide backing vocals for a local musician.
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2001: Official debut with the hit single “Seiko”, featuring Leonard Mapfumo and Suzanna, which quickly gained popularity.
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2003: Awarded Most Promising Artist at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA).
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2007: Released the hit “Chidzoka,” winning both Best Video and Song of the Year at the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA).
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2012: Participated in Big Brother Africa 7, gaining continental exposure before being disqualified following an altercation with a fellow contestant.
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2021: Collaborated with Congolese legend Koffi Olomide and a Tanzanian BET award winner on the song “Patati Patata.”
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2024: Released the single “Tell Me Baby (Disco Jawn)” and other singles, maintaining a steady presence in the music scene.
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2025: Launched a new album titled “Rockford Gold,” a 14-track project featuring collaborations with several Zimbabwean artists, including members of the entertainment collective Zimcelebs. The album launch took place at The Volt Club, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing career.
Music Style and Influence
Roki’s music is known for its fusion of urban grooves with other genres such as soca, dancehall, Afro-pop, and house. Early in his career, he embraced his Zimbabwean roots, which helped him connect deeply with local audiences. His lyrics often reflect personal and societal themes, including love, death, life struggles, and the tension between Western and African cultures. His innovative style has influenced the development of other genres like Zimdancehall and Zimbabwean hip-hop.
Personal Life and Controversies
Roki’s personal life has been the subject of media attention, especially regarding his relationships and fatherhood. He is reported to have fathered at least five children with different women. He was previously married to Pauline Gundidza, with whom he later divorced. His career has also seen controversies, notably his disqualification from Big Brother Africa due to an altercation with another contestant.
Legacy and Current Status
Roki remains a dynamic and influential figure in Zimbabwean entertainment. His recent album, “Rockford Gold,” reaffirms his ability to innovate and collaborate with the new generation of artists, ensuring his continued relevance. With over two decades in the industry, Roki’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s Urban Grooves movement and popular music at large have cemented his status as a music icon.
