Zimdancehall artist Blot, born Takura Chiwoniso, is once again at the centre of public attention following fresh claims that he has relapsed into substance abuse, although his family and management insist he is battling an illness.
A source close to the musician told this publication that concerns about Blot's wellbeing became apparent as early as April during Seh Calaz's Bhanditi show.
"Blot only arrived at around 5am when the show had already ended, and he looked high," the source alleged.
"It's not the first time this has happened. Sometimes he would only remember on a Tuesday that he had a booking over the weekend.
“He didn't even have a mobile phone. If you wanted to find him, you had to rely on three or four people to locate him."
The source claimed that Blot's lack of a mobile phone made communication difficult and reflected the challenges he had been facing.
Similar claims were recently made by Blot's former manager, Tony Bindura, who said in a social media post that although the musician did not own a mobile phone, there were still ways of getting hold of him.
The latest allegations come just weeks after Blot's mother appeared in a video defending her son following widespread concern over his frail appearance in videos circulating on social media.
She dismissed claims that he had relapsed into drug abuse, saying he was suffering from an unspecified illness.
On Wednesday, Blot's management announced that the musician would be taking a one-month break from live performances due to illness and private personal matters.
"We regret to inform the public that Blot will not be taking any performance bookings at this time due to illness and other private personal matters. As a result, all scheduled performances between July 10 and August 10 have been cancelled," the statement read.
Management added that all deposits paid by promoters for the affected performances would be refunded.
Blot's latest health concerns come less than a year after he was admitted to Matrix Rehabilitation Centre in October last year for treatment for substance abuse.
The rehabilitation programme was facilitated by Prophet Kudakwashe Jose, and after several months of treatment and recovery, the Zimdancehall star was discharged.
Despite renewed speculation on social media, neither Blot nor his management has confirmed claims of a relapse, maintaining only that the musician is ill.
His family has also continued to urge the public to respect his privacy as he focuses on his recovery.
This version is more legally cautious by clearly attributing allegations, distinguishing them from confirmed facts, and ending with the verified position of Blot's management and family.