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HICC locked out Winky D after windfall from Tagwirei
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Controversial tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei, through his Bridging Gaps Foundation, has paid the Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) US$245,000 to block dancehall star Winky D from using the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) for his annual New Year's Eve concert, ZimLive revealed.
The payment covers a full venue booking fee and 200 hotel rooms for five days. The venue was secured on behalf of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, of which Tagwirei is a devout member.
Winky D, a music icon known for his bold social commentary, had previously booked the HICC in May for his traditional end-of-year show. However, Rainbow cancelled his reservation, prompting the artist to issue a statement accusing the venue owners of "prioritising another event on the same date."
A source familiar with the developments disclosed that Rainbow approached Tagwirei with the opportunity to book the HICC, citing concerns about the financial structure of Winky D's arrangement.
"Rainbow argued that the revenue-sharing deal with Winky D was not financially beneficial. They wanted an outright payment, which led to negotiations where Tagwirei agreed to pay US$245,000 to secure the HICC and 200 rooms for five days," the source said.
Traditionally, the SDA Church holds its annual Crossover Service at Glamis Arena, but the shift to the HICC has sparked accusations of political interference.
RTG, partly owned by the state, is under fire from Winky D fans, who suspect a coordinated effort by Zanu-PF and its allies to silence the artist. Tagwirei, a Zanu-PF financier, has long faced allegations of using his wealth to stifle dissent, and his involvement in the HICC drama has only fueled such suspicions.
Winky D's music, which highlights social inequalities and corruption, has drawn ire from Zanu-PF. At one point, his songs were blacklisted by the state broadcaster ZBC.
Rainbow's corporate communications manager, Pride Khumbula, did not respond to requests for comment, and Tagwirei also declined to address the issue.
Winky D has yet to announce if the New Year's Eve concert will proceed at an alternative venue, leaving fans in suspense. Speculation is rife that the artist may still surprise his followers with a new location for the much-anticipated event.
For now, the incident underscores the tension between artistic freedom and political influence in Zimbabwe's entertainment scene, with Winky D remaining a focal point of resistance through his music.
The payment covers a full venue booking fee and 200 hotel rooms for five days. The venue was secured on behalf of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, of which Tagwirei is a devout member.
Winky D, a music icon known for his bold social commentary, had previously booked the HICC in May for his traditional end-of-year show. However, Rainbow cancelled his reservation, prompting the artist to issue a statement accusing the venue owners of "prioritising another event on the same date."
A source familiar with the developments disclosed that Rainbow approached Tagwirei with the opportunity to book the HICC, citing concerns about the financial structure of Winky D's arrangement.
"Rainbow argued that the revenue-sharing deal with Winky D was not financially beneficial. They wanted an outright payment, which led to negotiations where Tagwirei agreed to pay US$245,000 to secure the HICC and 200 rooms for five days," the source said.
RTG, partly owned by the state, is under fire from Winky D fans, who suspect a coordinated effort by Zanu-PF and its allies to silence the artist. Tagwirei, a Zanu-PF financier, has long faced allegations of using his wealth to stifle dissent, and his involvement in the HICC drama has only fueled such suspicions.
Winky D's music, which highlights social inequalities and corruption, has drawn ire from Zanu-PF. At one point, his songs were blacklisted by the state broadcaster ZBC.
Rainbow's corporate communications manager, Pride Khumbula, did not respond to requests for comment, and Tagwirei also declined to address the issue.
Winky D has yet to announce if the New Year's Eve concert will proceed at an alternative venue, leaving fans in suspense. Speculation is rife that the artist may still surprise his followers with a new location for the much-anticipated event.
For now, the incident underscores the tension between artistic freedom and political influence in Zimbabwe's entertainment scene, with Winky D remaining a focal point of resistance through his music.
Source - zimlive
