I don’t force people to come to my podcast: DJ Ollah 7 defends himself following stinging criticism over Mai Jeremaya interview
DJ Ollah 7 has come out guns blazing in defence of his now-infamous podcast interview with socialite Mai Jeremaya, following a fierce public backlash. The two-hour-35-minute interview, aired on 9 July 2025, has been widely condemned for its explicit content and intrusive questions — with many viewers accusing the popular broadcaster of disregarding ethical standards, especially in handling sensitive topics.
But DJ Ollah 7 says he did nothing wrong.
“Personally, I don’t force people to come to my podcast,” he said on X, formerly Twitter, in a series of posts dated 10 July 2025.
“People book in advance to be slotted in, we have the numbers and we got the skill. We tell people in advance that we’re going to discuss about a, b, c and d. All our guests know that. [They are] free to say no as well to some of our questions.”
The podcast, which aired on his YouTube channel, touched on highly sensitive and controversial aspects of Mai Jeremaya’s life — including her past rape allegations, her marital sex life, and even how she lost her virginity.
“I even avoided some questions she wanted me to ask”
Ollah 7 insisted that his guest, Mai Jeremaya, was not ambushed and had been fully briefed on the nature of the conversation before coming on air. In fact, he claims she was ready to go further.
“I did [rewatch the podcast] and there’s absolutely nothing wrong,” he said in response to a follower who called the interview “cringe.”
“Even the guest was very much aware of the questions. I even avoided to ask some of the questions that she wanted.”
Yet some questions in the interview have left viewers shocked.
He asked:
“Do you recall when you had your first sexual encounter?”
“Was it smooth?”
“Are you having it [sex]… has [JMP, your husband] ever asked for it after everything?”
He also probed her about her preference for certain types of male genitalia and whether she was still intimate with her husband following her court ordeal.
This has raised alarm among media professionals and the general public alike, with some questioning whether such a style of questioning is appropriate — especially for someone who previously accused two men of rape.
Mixed reactions on social media
The reactions online have been fast and polarising. While some people called for accountability and respect for survivors, others defended Ollah 7’s right to free speech and open dialogue.
“What you do is not easy,” wrote Boss Salani on X.
“Believe me, I know. Everyone has an opinion. A lot of people act as if they can do better… What matters is that you and your guest speakers have an understanding.”
Another follower, @DazzleWeAre, urged him not to over-explain:
“Don’t explain yourself comrade, people are not forced to come to your podcast nor to say things.”
But not everyone was convinced.
“What can be the most reasonable justification of asking someone how she lost her virginity if it is not sensationalism?” asked user Nate (@keddah83).
“You are being asked to be responsible, chete [just that]!”
Another user, @TaperaEmmanuel, remarked:
“Now they know — go to Ollah Podcasts at your own peril. DJ Ollah will even ask the length of your penis… he will ask ANYTHING!”
@Blackraven69594 added a more measured comment:
“Many people know the difference between radio & podcasts. Your listeners are simply sharing feedback. It’s up to you to take it as constructive criticism or see it as an attack. At the end of the day, it’s the audience that makes the Ollah 7 Podcast what it is.”
A bigger conversation about podcast ethics
Ollah 7 maintains that podcasts are not traditional media and therefore should not be held to the same editorial constraints. He insists the format allows guests to speak openly and honestly in a way they might not on radio or TV.
“Podcast is relatively new to Zimbabwe and people should know that it’s totally different from traditional media,” he said.
“It cannot operate like a radio station or TV. People opt for podcasts more than TV coz it gives them the voice and opportunity to speak their mind.”
He added:
“If you watch some of the international podcasts, then compare with what we’re doing here, you will see that hapana kana zvatati taita [we’ve barely done anything]. Podcasts are mainly unfiltered…”
But some experts warn that while podcasts may be unfiltered, they are not above ethical scrutiny — especially when dealing with survivors of sexual violence. Trauma-informed reporting remains a cornerstone of responsible journalism, and asking invasive, intimate questions without considering the mental health and dignity of the guest can cause harm.
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The post “I Don’t Force People To Come To My Podcast”: DJ Ollah 7 Fires Back After Backlash Over Mai Jeremaya Interview appeared first on iHarare News.
