Is Kae Chaps Zimbabwe’s tortured poet?

Throughout history pain has been synonymous with the inspiration to create. Creativity and emotions of hurt have walked in tandem, amplified by societies stereotypes of creatives. The idea of the tortured artist has been solidified by multiple figures such as Vincent Van Gogh and Ludwig Van Beethoven.

In more recent times bodies of work like Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department have been a representation of this narrative, and while not on the same level of prominence Zimbabwe seems to have its own tortured poet in Kae Chaps. An alternative singer that has proven time and time again that he has the Midas touch.

Having weaved his way into the hearts of the national with the bearing of his own, on the single “Juzi”, he has become a staple for Zimbabwean eardrums. At the centre of his storytelling are tales from a broken heart and as to love is as natural as to be human, heartbreak is all to relatable for everyone. If you travel back to even before his breakout moment we find pain again channelled into his music on the album Vanga.

Reflecting on the heartbreak that led to the creation of “Juzi”, Kae Chaps said, “When it happened I got into anxiety as well as depression because I was torn and felt like I could not continue. So, this song was my way of healing through doing what I know best, singing.”

Since becoming a household name almost all his high profile releases have seemingly channelled some kind of pain. To mention but a few “Gehena”, “Huchapa”, “Hwisiri”, and “Sorry Boyz” have all featured emotions that carry a certain sadness, even though we might dance to the music on a night out. While it’s certain he’s found some healing, you can’t help but think once upon a time the pieces of Kae Chaps’ heart were so small you could thread them through a needle.

Already riding on high with one of the biggest Zimbabwean releases this year in “Madiro”, Kae Chaps recently added onto that with “Daka” and “Julius Malema”. “Madiro” is an expression of how someone will never find another lover like him, while “Daka” seems centred on disappointments by people close to him and “Julius Malema” although boastful of repercussions is a song about his fear of being hurt in love.

If you ask me, his 2024 releases so far are the trifecta of a tortured poet. Yet however much the pain he bears for his audience, the music is still beautiful to witness. Yes the word use is intentional, because we’re not just listening to him but witnessing his story and his pain.