Jah Prayzah receives US$350,000 gift from Chivayo amidst controversy

Just a week after releasing his 14th studio album, Ndini Mukudzei, popular Zimbabwean musician Jah Prayzah has become the recipient of a lavish gift from controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo.

Chivayo, who has previously faced scrutiny for his business dealings, presented the award-winning musician with a brand-new 2025 Range Rover Autobiography, worth over US$200,000, along with US$150,000 in cash. The extravagant gesture, shared publicly by Chivayo via social media, follows the successful launch of Jah Prayzah's album at Old Hararians Club.

"As I promised before, and in celebration of your unstoppable progress and the major success of the launch of Ndini Mukudzei last Saturday, please go and see Victor at Exquisite Motors-your brand-new 2025 Range Rover Autobiography is fully paid for and ready for collection," Chivayo posted. "A GOAT like you deserves to drive nothing but the highest luxury. In addition, please collect your US$150,000 in cash as promised."

This latest act of generosity is the second such gift Chivayo has given to Jah Prayzah in recent months, further solidifying their connection. Jah Prayzah, known for his strong support of the ruling Zanu-PF party, has long maintained a close relationship with figures like Chivayo, who is often associated with the party's elite.

However, the gift comes at a time when the Zanu-PF government is facing significant criticism over the deteriorating state of the country's healthcare system. Reports have highlighted severe shortages of medical supplies, and the government has been accused of lavishing gifts on political supporters, while citizens continue to suffer from inadequate access to essential services, including healthcare.

Chivayo's gift to Jah Prayzah has sparked a fresh wave of public backlash, with critics accusing the government and its allies of prioritizing personal luxuries over the wellbeing of the general population. Many see the timing of the gift as tone-deaf, given the mounting frustration over issues like crumbling infrastructure, food insecurity, and inadequate public services.

Adding to the controversy surrounding Chivayo is his recent involvement in a financial scandal. Last month, South African financial institutions linked him to an alleged scandal involving Ren-Form CC, a company that was awarded a tender by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) during the 2023 elections. The company allegedly inflated prices for the goods it provided, and funds amounting to R800 million were traced to accounts associated with Chivayo.

Despite the controversy surrounding his business dealings, Chivayo continues to maintain a public profile as a philanthropist, frequently making headlines for his lavish gifts and public statements. The latest gift to Jah Prayzah is just one in a series of high-profile gestures, raising questions about the source of his wealth and the political implications of his generosity.

While Jah Prayzah has yet to publicly comment on the gift, his continued association with Chivayo has solidified his position as one of the country's most influential public figures, admired by many for his musical achievements, but also criticized for his political ties.