Marondera – Businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s recent lobola ceremony for his sweetheart, Lucy Muteke, has ignited a firestorm of debate across Zimbabwe, raising questions about wealth, excess, and the role of the national broadcaster. The event, held in Marondera, was nothing short of spectacular, rivalling even the most extravagant celebrations seen globally.
Chivayo paid a staggering US$300,000 in lobola, a figure believed to be the highest ever paid in Zimbabwe’s history. The venue itself was transformed into a lavish setting, decorated by renowned wedding planner Kevin Zhou in burnt orange and blue hues, creating an atmosphere fit for royalty. The event was directed by popular MC Maimba Mapuranga and featured performances from top artists Jah Prayzah, Killer T, Enzo Ishall, and the Travellerz Band.
Before the ceremony, Chivayo took to social media to update his fans on his offerings, revealing his characteristic flamboyance and disregard for financial constraints.
“Saka ndafonera munyai. Vasvika ka vanhu vaye. Saka vangotakura ka 50 thousand ndine imwe 75 mumota,” Chivayo said, detailing the cash he had on hand.
“Saka ndati kune munyai, unongosvika woti, ‘mukuru havasi kuda zvekuzomiswa kana auya. Hanti mwana wenyu ndirikumuda? Ndokumbirawo musanditambisirewo time. Itai maths dzenyu mungotipawo total kuti murikuda mari. Zvekuda kumbonzi 5 hundred vhuramuromo, 5 thousand matekenya ndebvu. argh argh. Maweka here? Chingotipai total mari iri mumota ingoverengwa,” he added, expressing his impatience with traditional haggling.
He continued: “Ndozvataura mukuwasha ati hanzi hatisikuda kuti tiite setirikunetsana, isu tirikuda mwana wenyu. Mwana wenyu ndinomuda saka ndokumbirawo murudo rwaMwari musandinetse panhau dzemari. I have other problems, not money. Saka, I think in thirty minutes zvinenge zvatopera,”
His grocery list included a lorry full of selected items, further highlighting the scale of the event. Close friends and family donned the celebration’s theme colours, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Chivayo’s lobola ceremony has surpassed several recent high-profile celebrations, including that of a 19-year-old from South Sudan, Athiak Dau Riak, whose relatives received 530 cows, three Land Cruiser V8 cars, and $10,000.
The extravagance of Chivayo’s lobola has drawn comparisons to the wedding celebrations of Indian billionaire Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, which reportedly cost around US$600 million and included performances from Rihanna and Justin Bieber.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Chivayo recently introduced Lucy Muteke to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House, a highly unusual move that has sparked curiosity and speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Posting on social media, Chivayo described the reception they received from President Mnangagwa as “nothing short of remarkable.” He wrote:
“Yesterday (Friday) on my way to church, I had the GREATEST pleasure and distinct honour of introducing my soon-to-be wife to HIS EXCELLENCY, the President. The highlight of it all is that my WIFE hails from the esteemed SHUMBA clan, saka ndatove MUKWASHA to the President himself, being a SHUMBA MURAMBWI… Hanzi “Iwe mfana une chokwadi kuda kuroora mwana wangu?” Ndikati ndingadii nhai Your Excellency KANA NDANYURA !!!
“Our reception was nothing short of REMARKABLE and with his characteristic humour and satire, His Excellency warmly welcomed my wife as a DAUGHTER of the ROYAL Shumba lineage, inviting her to sit beside him , ini seMUKWASHA ndichingo ombera. I deeply appreciate His Excellency’s wisdom shared on the principles of LOVE, respect, responsibility, mutual compassion and the importance of COMMITMENT in the institution of marriage.”
President Mnangagwa has previously described Wicknell Chivayo as a philanthropist who uses his own resources to support charitable activities. He has also dismissed allegations that Chivayo was acting as his “frontman” by distributing vehicles, cash, and other donations, urging critics to investigate the source of Chivayo’s funds if they had any concerns.
However, the decision by The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) to air Wicknell Chivayo and Lulu Muteke’s lobola ceremony has drawn widespread condemnation.
Zimbabweans are slamming the national broadcaster for covering the event instead of focusing on issues of national importance and public interest. The national broadcaster provided live updates throughout the event, capturing every moment of the high-profile occasion.
Critics questioned the relevance of broadcasting a private ceremony, arguing that it does not serve the public interest. Some speculated that Chivayo may have paid ZBC to cover the event, though this remains unconfirmed.
As Zimbabweans grapple with economic hardships, the display of wealth and extravagance at Chivayo’s lobola ceremony has struck a nerve, raising questions about priorities and the role of the media in a nation facing significant challenges. Was this a celebration of love and tradition, or an insensitive display of opulence in a country struggling to make ends meet? The debate continues.
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