Takura’s second retirement: Marketing tactic or a genuine cry for understanding?

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA

IN the world of music, few things are as perplexing as the recent announcement by Zimbabwean musical sensation, Takura. The celebrated singer and songwriter has declared, for the second time, that he is hanging up his boots. 

This news has left fans, neutral observers, and critics alike grappling with a single question: What’s happening to Takura?

What’s happening? ... As Takura quits music, again. 

Big question, indeed. But, frankly, we do not have the answer to that question. 

What we can say with conviction though is that whatever it is that is happening, it deserves some attention. 

Which is the reason why he informed the public in the first place – that he is quitting music. And this is not the first time he has made such an announcement. 

Last week, Takura took to the internet to announce his departure from the music scene, citing a turbulent mental state as the reason. 

In a heartfelt video, he confessed, “And this is by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. But I have finally decided to hang the boots. I know a lot of people are going to be like ‘oh he’s looking for attention’ or whatever; it’s not that ...”

The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions. Some empathize with his mental distress, urging a deeper understanding of the pressures he faces. 

Others, however, are more cynical and recall his previous retirement announcement in 2023, which was swiftly followed by the release of his album, King of Hearts. 

ALSO READ: Takura releases new album ‘King of Hearts’ – A matured piece of blissful sounds

These critics dismiss his latest declaration as a tired marketing gimmick, accusing him of using emotional vulnerability to stay relevant in Zimbabwe's cut-throat music industry.

While both sides of the argument have merit, our focus lies elsewhere. 

Our issue revolves around expressing empathy for the true toll of artistic expression. 

We wish to highlight the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies creative genius. We understand Takura’s struggle and extend our empathy and solidarity. 

Brilliant creatives walk a fine line between genius and madness. Constant pressure to reinvent and stay relevant takes its emotional price. Even the legendary rapper Cal_Vin referenced mental challenges in his own hiatus (ditto his melancholic release Thabani).

Exceptional artists often oscillate between feeling on top of the world and feeling like a mess. Nothing unusual. 

Whether or not this emotional turmoil is used to garner attention is a debate for another day.

When an artist suffers in silence, critics ask why they didn’t speak up. When they voice their struggles, they're dismissed as attention-seekers. It’s a no-win situation. 

But for Takura, we hope he knows he’s not alone. The emotional highs and lows are part and parcel of being a brilliant creative mind in an industry that often fails to nurture its artists.

We may not fully understand what Takura is going through, but we extend our empathy and sympathy. 

All artists rightly deserve ample space to fully process their inner fluctuations, highs and lows, without fear of being labelled attention-seekers. The dreaded reprisals ...

Our hope is that he finds the strength to continue creating the impeccable art he's known for. 

Because, really, mental fortitude is no weakness. If caring for one’s mental health aids longer creativity, should we not wish that for our finest talents? 

Takura’s remarkable gifts have immensely enriched Zimbabwean urban culture – perhaps, let his wellness now take priority over debate. 

With empathy and care, maybe one day he will gift the world with his eloquent artistry once more. 

Perhaps, such artistry can be expressed in other disciplines that are not music. But then again, that is a matter for another day. For now, understanding his predicament will suffice. What he chooses to do with the repercussions of all this entirely rests with him.