Filthy rich businessman Wicknell Chivayo has made headlines once again, this time for his generous gesture towards three of Zimbabwe’s music legends: Mechanic Manyeruke, Olivia Charamba, and Leonard Karikoga Zhakata.
In a heartfelt social media post on Monday, Chivayo revealed that he had gifted brand-new 2024 Toyota Fortuners to these iconic musicians as a token of appreciation for the inspiration they provided during challenging times in his life.
Chivayo shared personal details with his followers, reflecting on the impact his late mother, Canisia Chivayo, had on him. She passed away on January 6, 2021, and he recalled her sacrifices and unwavering faith in his potential.
“Her sacrifices, hard work, and UNSHAKABLE FAITH in my potential shaped me into the man I am today,” he wrote. He further revealed that he spent the afternoon at Glenforest Cemetery, laying flowers in her memory.
The businessman explained how his mother’s love continues to guide him, stating, “I apologise to the thousands of friends and well-wishers who sent me beautiful birthday messages that I could not respond to on the day. The EMOTIONAL weight of the day made it impossible for me to celebrate in the usual way.”
Chivayo’s decision to honour these musicians was not just a birthday celebration; it was a tribute to the influence they had on him and his family. “I had planned to celebrate my birthday UNIQUELY this year, and I decided to honour three OUTSTANDING music icons who always inspired me and my mother during the toughest times of our lives,” he wrote.
He specifically named the artists, saying, “These are BABA MECHANIC MANYERUKE, MAI CHARAMBA, and LEONARD KARIKOGA ZHAKATA. My favourite songs ‘Ndinamatire Ndigo Kunamatirawo’, ‘Ndiri Munana’, and ‘Hupenyu Mutoro’ respectively gave us hope and strength to PERSEVERE.”
The vehicles, which are ready for collection, were described by Chivayo as a small token of gratitude for the musicians’ contributions to the music industry. He instructed them to visit Faramatsi Motors at their Clubchambers showroom at the corner of 3rd Street and Nelson Mandela, where “your 3 brand new 2024 TOYOTA FORTUNER F24A 2.4d 4 X 4 AUTOMATIC are ready for collection.”
“Please accept this as my SMALL TOKEN to appreciate your unmatched contributions to the music industry and your role in shaping many life journeys,” he added. Chivayo concluded his post by reiterating his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting individuals he admires.
This generous act has sparked conversations across social media, with many praising Chivayo for his kindness while others question his motives, given his controversial reputation. Regardless of public opinion, his gesture has certainly brought joy to some of Zimbabwe’s most beloved artists, highlighting the enduring bond between music and personal resilience.