Winky D spits lyrical venom targeting Wicknell Chivayo

Wallace Chirumiko, popularly known as Winky D, has reiterated his commitment to remaining free from political influence, confirming that he will not be swayed by politicians or their associates offering gifts and rewards to influence his art.

During a high-energy gig on Saturday in Mbare, Harare, sponsored by cigarette maker Swan Valley Group, Winky D took aim at several political figures, notably tenderprenuer Wicknell Chivayo, calling out attempts to buy loyalty with cars and material gifts.

"Vanoti nemuzita rababa, apa ndofuti vaba, vhura meso hona ka, handitengeke nemota car (They preach the word of God but they are the ones stealing, open your eyes I am not bought by a car)," Winky D sang, receiving wild applause from the crowd, who cheered his stance on political independence. Chivayo has recently been donating cars and money to artists aligned with the ruling party, Zanu-PF, which Winky D firmly rejected.

The event in Mbare marked the artist's long-awaited return after seven years, and his performance was met with enthusiasm as fans sang along to his socially conscious lyrics. Known for speaking to the struggles, hopes, and aspirations of Zimbabwe's youth, Winky D used the stage to address several societal issues that resonate deeply with his audience.

"Ndakachibata kuti dzvii but handisi keeper ini handitengese handisi Peter ini, ndorwiswa handinete ndichasvika ini, ndendiri zii handina noise handisi speaker ini (I'm holding it firm but I'm not a keeper, I'm not a sellout like Peter, they fight me, but I won't give up. I will get there, I'm not a speaker I don't make noise, I am cool)," he rapped, affirming his stance as an independent artist.

Winky D also took aim at recent events at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), where he had been pushed out by Zanu-PF acolyte Kudakwashe Tagwirei to make way for a church event. The artist, never shy of controversy, responded in his characteristic wordplay: "Ndabva paJabhuna (HICC) horaiti chiitai, musandipe tuma notes handina teacher ini, ndapfuura 40 handidi teacher ini, ndosasa nezvandada handina firita (I left HICC it's fine do your own, don't give me notes I don't have a teacher, I passed 40 I don't want a teacher, I say what I like I don't filter)," signaling his refusal to be manipulated by those in power.

The music icon also referenced attempts by prominent figures like Passion Java to offer him a lucrative contract, which he rejected in 2020, choosing instead to remain loyal to his principles. Winky D also took a swipe at ongoing tender scandals involving Zanu-PF figures like Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, with a sharp lyrical rebuke: "Hamusi Mapofu (Mpofu) mbudzi yadzoswa (Winky) buritsai Mic (Chimombe)," loosely translated as "You are not blind, the goat has been brought back release the mic."

Addressing rumors of rifts within the music industry, including accusations from Seh Calaz that he had sidelined him at shows, Winky D further cemented his position as a true voice for the people, committed to his craft and the struggles of the youth.

The concert, which was free for the public, showcased a stellar lineup of artists, including Master H, Aleck Macheso, Saintfloew, Da Ruler, Silent Killer, and Nisha T, but it was Winky D who truly commanded the stage, drawing a sea of fans in Mbare and beyond.

Winky D's unwavering stance against political manipulation and his unapologetic approach to addressing corruption and injustice within the music industry continue to make him not only a musical icon but a voice of resistance for many Zimbabweans.