Winky D, Jah Prayzah and Wicknell debate reignites talk on fame, gifts and public support
A social media debate involving dancehall star Winky D, sungura giant Jah Prayzah, and businessman Wicknell Chivhayo has sparked fresh conversation about fame, wealth, gifts, and the different forms of public support that Zimbabwean musicians receive.
None of the three parties are necessarily in the wrong, because the discussion touches on personal choice, public perception, and the realities of making a living from music in Zimbabwe.
On Winky D, observers note that popularity does not automatically equal visible wealth. The Gafa is known for keeping a low profile and has never publicly disclosed his net worth. Reports and images of him arriving at shows in modest vehicles like a Honda Fit or Ipsum have circulated online, but fans argue that such things do not define his success. In Zimbabwe, being popular and being rich are often two different things, and many artists choose to keep their private lives private.
Winky D has also received strong backing from religious leaders. Apostle Talent Chiwenga has publicly described him as “the musician of the people.” Prophet Walter Magaya has also shown support for Winky D over the years. Most recently, ZANU PF Youth League National Deputy Political Commissar Taurai Kandishaya praised Winky D’s latest song Chivanhu, saying it unites the people of Zimbabwe and advocates for the true identity and pride of Africans and Zimbabweans.
On Jah Prayzah, the view is that as one of the country’s most consistent and in-demand musicians, he continues to work hard to grow his brand and earn a living. Receiving gifts based on talent and influence is part of the ecosystem, and there is nothing wrong with an artist being rewarded for impact. Jah Prayzah has also enjoyed public endorsement from religious leaders. Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa recently highlighted Jah Prayzah’s track Ruzhowa during a sermon, commending its message.
Businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, a known supporter of Jah Prayzah, also drew attention after stating his opinion that JP is bigger than Winky D. Commentators say everyone is entitled to their likes and dislikes, and such statements reflect personal taste rather than fact.
Stripped of emotion, industry watchers say Jah Prayzah and Winky D operate at similar levels in terms of music popularity and influence. Both fill venues, dominate airplay, and shape culture, just in different genres. The different endorsements from church leaders and political figures simply show that people’s choices differ, but the two remain great musicians in their own right.
The conversation also touched on what happens when musicians receive expensive gifts like cars. Comparisons were made to other artists such as Enzo Ishall and Saintfloew. The argument raised is that if an artist cannot afford to maintain or fuel a high-performance vehicle, there is nothing wrong with selling it. Saintfloew was once seen pushing his Mustang GT, a 5.0-litre V8 that costs far more than $20 to run for a few rounds.
In that context, some feel that if a gifted car becomes a burden, the right thing is to communicate with the person who gave the gift and explain the intended plan. Transparency, they argue, helps preserve relationships and respect.
Ultimately, the debate highlights that in Zimbabwe’s entertainment space, fame does not always equal displayed wealth, artists deserve to benefit from their talent, public support comes in many forms, and fans will always have differing opinions on who is “bigger.”
