HARARE – Zimbabwean dancehall superstar Winky D, the undisputed king of Zimdancehall, has emphatically rejected attempts by politicians and their associates to influence his music through gifts and financial incentives.
In a powerful performance in Mbare on Saturday, Winky D directly addressed controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who has recently been showering Zanu-PF aligned artists with lavish gifts.
The Saturday gig, sponsored by cigarette manufacturer Swan Valley Group, marked Winky D’s return to Mbare after a seven-year absence. The crowd was ecstatic, enthusiastically singing along to his every word. Winky D, known for using his music as a platform to address social issues affecting Zimbabwean youth, didn’t disappoint.
“Vanoti nemuzita rababa, apa ndofuti vaba, vhura meso hona ka, handitengeke nemota car (They preach the word of God but they are the ones stealing, open your eyes I am not bought by a car),” he sang, his words met with thunderous applause. This direct message to Chivayo, who has been gifting cars and money to artists perceived as aligned with the ruling party, clearly resonated with the audience.
Winky D’s performance was a potent mix of social commentary and musical brilliance. He continued, addressing his unwavering commitment to his artistic integrity: “Ndakachibata kuti dzvii but handisi keeper ini handitengese handisi Peter ini, ndorwiswa handinete ndichasvika ini, ndendiri zii handina noise handisi speaker ini (I’m holding it firm but I’m not a keeper, I’m not a sellout like Peter, they fight me, but I won’t give up. I will get there, I’m not a speaker I don’t make noise, I am cool).”
He also addressed the incident where he was reportedly forced out of the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) to make way for a Zanu-PF affiliated church event, showcasing his defiance: “Ndabva paJabhuna (HICC) horaiti chiitai, musandipe tuma notes handina teacher ini, ndapfuura 40 handidi teacher ini, ndosasa nezvandada handina firita (I left HICC it’s fine do your own, don’t give me notes I don’t have a teacher, I passed 40 I don’t want a teacher, I say what I like I don’t filter).”
His lyrics didn’t shy away from naming names. Zanu-PF activists Wicknell Chivayo and Passion Java were both the subject of his pointed commentary. He referenced the US$35,000 contract offered by Passion Java in 2020, which Winky D famously rejected. He also alluded to ongoing tender scandals involving Zanu-PF member Mike Chimombe and his associate Moses Mpofu, using a powerful wordplay: “Hamusi Mapofu (Mpofu) mbudzi yadzoswa (Winky) buritsai Mic (Chimombe),” (You are not blind, the goat has been brought back release the mic).
Winky D also addressed fellow musician Seh Calaz, responding to accusations of sidelining him at shows. The concert itself featured a strong lineup of artists, including Master H, Aleck Macheso, Saintfloew, Da Ruler, Silent Killer, and Nisha T, but it was undoubtedly Winky D who captivated the Mbare audience with his powerful message and uncompromising stance.
In stark contrast to Winky D’s rejection of Chivayo’s offers, fellow musician Jah Prayzah (Mukudzeyi Mukombe) has publicly accepted significant gifts from Chivayo. In January 2024, Jah Prayzah received a US$180,000 Mercedes Benz S500, adding to previous gifts including Toyota Aquas for his dancers and son, and US$20,000 in cash. This public acceptance sparked considerable online debate, with many criticising Jah Prayzah’s actions as “bootlicking.”
The contrasting approaches of Winky D and Jah Prayzah highlight a significant division within the Zimbabwean music industry regarding the acceptance of political patronage.
