Winky D bought Holy Ten 2 bottles of Gin, pizza on recording Ibotso

Almost two years after the release of Ibotso, Winky D's hard-hitting ZimDancehall track that featured Zanu-PF-aligned rapper Holy Ten, the artists have finally addressed the storm caused by the song, which sparked outrage and even led to a ban from state-controlled radio and television stations.

In a playful response to a fan's query about the circumstances behind the song, Holy Ten joked that his controversial lines on Ibotso were the result of a generous offer from Winky D - two bottles of Strettons gin and a Hawaiian pizza. The playful admission came as Holy Ten reflected on the backlash he received for his participation in the song.

Ibotso took aim at the growing disparity between the rich and poor in Zimbabwe, highlighting how resources meant for the nation's underprivileged were being abused by the powerful elite. The song quickly became a hit in Zimbabwe's ghettos, resonating with many who felt neglected by the government. However, just 24 hours after its release, the track was banned from state-controlled media, and Winky D, a long-time staple in Zimbabwean music, was blacklisted from several publications.

Holy Ten, who is a known supporter of Zanu-PF, distanced himself from the song's message, claiming that Winky D had "hoodwinked" him into singing lyrics that criticized the very figures who had supported him financially. In particular, fans interpreted the song's lyrics as an attack on top Zanu-PF officials, some of whom were accused of flaunting unexplained wealth. These were individuals from whom Holy Ten had been receiving support.

In one of the most talked-about lines, Holy Ten rapped, "Ghetto youths zvakutimakisa zvekuvati boss chakadaro coz posh yavanayo magetsi," referring to the disparity in electricity access between the wealthy and the poor.

Winky D remained silent in the face of the controversy, but Holy Ten later took to social media to explain the situation, humorously revealing that he had been swayed by the alcohol and pizza provided by Winky D. "Not forced as such. But Winky vakanditengera two ma Strettons ne Hawaiian pizza knowing ndikadhakwa I won't ask too many questions," Holy Ten tweeted, acknowledging that the gift had made him less inquisitive about the message behind the song.

The public fallout from Ibotso and the fallout from Holy Ten's response demonstrated the deep divisions in Zimbabwe's music industry, where political allegiance often intersects with artistry. Despite the drama, Ibotso continued to be a major anthem in the ghettos, and Winky D's 2023 album Eureka Eureka, which included the track, further solidified his place as one of Zimbabwe's most influential artists.

As for Holy Ten, despite the backlash, he continues to be a prominent figure in the ZimHipHop scene, with fans divided on his role in the Ibotso controversy. What is clear is that the song and the controversy surrounding it will continue to be a defining moment in both artists' careers.