Roki the chicken farmer, with age comes wisdom

Urban contemporary musician Rockford “Roki” Josphats says he might have found a new side hustle in the poultry business, but he is still active in the music industry.

Despite embarking on a new venture in his rural Seke home, Roki shared that his passion for music remains undiminished.

He recently went public about his side hustle, highlighting that while he is now also busy in a chicken business, his commitment to his musical career continues to flourish.

“Being a musician is my life, and that will not change.

“In our industry we need to have a side hustle that provides something for survival.

“I have been doing this business with my sisters in Seke and I enjoy it a lot.

“Musically, I haven’t stopped and I am considering updating some of my musical files that I came across.

“Some of the files that I have just received were recorded in my studio, which was based at Soul Jah Love’s family house in Waterfalls.

“I have a lot coming this year, and I have never stopped despite my chicken business.”

The 40-year-old, who is credited with giving exposure to several musicians including Ras Caleb, Junior Spragga, Bagga and notably the late Soul Jah Love, said he was still grooming upcoming artists in the Seke communal lands.

“In Seke, there is a lot of talent. As a producer who understands music, having done production work before, I have been assisting several artists in the area.

“Some of the now popular stars stayed with me before moving to settle in Harare but, as someone who is now older, I wouldn’t want to claim credit from them.

“I have come to a point where I just want to groom artists and let them start their careers if they feel they are now mature enough and ready to go.”

He also urged other mentors to stop piling pressure on their mentees for the development of the industry.

“In our industry, there are some people who are obsessed with being recognised and credited with helping others.

“Like I indicated earlier, let’s just assist the new crop of stars and make the industry better.

“We can only grow together through hard work, and collaborations.”

He, however, conceded that fans should now accept him as he is after years of evolution.

“I have noted that there are some people who still expect the same old Roki from 15 years ago to be the same now that he’s in his 40s, which is impossible.

“If they still expect the old Roki, then there will be no growth at all. I am now a mature man who has evolved, like wine.

“Fans should not dwell in the past, expecting the younger version of me.”

He also saluted the current crop of music producers who have embraced technology in their production.

“I am proud of some of the producers who have taken over from us and are doing well, and that alone is good news for the industry.

“I will keep working and making music because it is my life and I can’t resist it.

“I can’t afford to let my fans down because I will always do my best to remain relevant.”

Roki, who believes he has nothing to prove in the music industry, is pleased with the progress he has made over the past years.

“I have come to a point where I want to entertain both my international and local fans, as that is part of my plans.

“I have worked with Koffi, Awilo Longomba, Master KG, among other musical giants.

“That alone is enough proof that I am still making music and relevant in the creative community.”

Outlining his 2026 roadmap, Roki wants to balance his side hustle and music. *_-H-Metro_