Marondera – Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has clarified that the widely reported US$300,000 figure associated with his recent lobola ceremony in Marondera is misleading. Speaking to H-Metro, Chivayo stated that while he spent a significant sum on the event, the actual lobola payment to his in-laws for his lover, Lucy Muteke, was far less than the quoted amount.
Chivayo explained that the figures circulating in the media represented the total cost of the lavish ceremony, encompassing expenses such as entertainment, decor, drinks, and other related costs, rather than the specific amount paid as lobola.
According to Chivayo, the lobola itself constituted only a small portion of the overall expenditure, with the majority of the funds allocated to ensuring a memorable and celebratory event. He praised his in-laws for their “humble and understanding” nature, noting that they kept the traditional ceremony within the normal financial boundaries expected on such occasions.
Chivayo recounted sending a messenger with US$50,000 to handle the lobola negotiations, with instructions to fulfil all requirements. He received a call back from the messenger confirming that the US$50,000 had more than covered all demands, and that there was a “lot of change” remaining.
The businessman further revealed that he had carried an additional US$75,000 in his car as a precaution, ensuring that there would be no financial shortfalls during the ceremony. However, this supplementary cash ultimately proved unnecessary.
The Marondera venue was transformed into a spectacular setting, featuring a porch reminiscent of a lavish Italian villa. Renowned wedding planner Kevin Zhou decorated the space in striking burnt orange and blue hues, creating an atmosphere fit for royalty.
The event was directed by popular MC Maimba Mapuranga and included performances from some of Zimbabwe’s top artists, including Jah Prayzah, Killer T, Enzo Ishall, and the Travellerz Band.
Prior to the ceremony, Chivayo took to social media to update his followers on the preparations. In a series of posts, he detailed his instructions to his messenger, saying:
‘Saka ndafonera munyai. Vasvika ka vanhu vaye. Saka vangotakura ka 50 thousand ndine imwe 75 mumota. 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 matekenyandebvu. argh argh. Maweka here? Chingotipai total mari iri mumota ingoverengwa,” Chivayo said.
He added: “Ndozvataura mukuwasha ati hanzi hatisikuda kuti tite setirikunetsana, isu tirikuda mwana wenyu. Mwana wenyu ndinomuda saka ndokumbirawo murudo waMwari musandinetse panhau dzemari. I have.other problems, not money. Saka, I think in thirty minutes zvinenge zvatopera,” Chivayo said.
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