By A Correspondent
Charles Charamba and his wife, Mai Charamba, two of Zimbabwe’s most prominent gospel musicians, have found themselves at the center of a controversy after receiving luxury car gifts from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a known associate of the ruling Zanu-PF party. The Charambas, who have maintained illustrious careers spanning over 25 years, are now facing a backlash from some quarters of the Zimbabwean public, who have accused them of hypocrisy.
Many critics have pointed to the couple’s previous songs, which emphasize values like honesty, integrity, and living righteously, claiming that by accepting gifts from Chivayo, who has faced legal and public scrutiny for his business dealings, the Charambas have contradicted their own messages. Social media has been abuzz with debates, with some calling on the couple to reject the gifts in order to uphold their principles.
However, George Charamba, the spokesperson for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has publicly defended the Charambas.
On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Charamba posted a message of support, urging the gospel duo to stand firm in the face of the backlash.
“STAND STRONG BABAMUNINI NAAMAININI.”
This message, directed at Charles and Mai Charamba, has resonated with those in the public eye who believe that criticism of the couple’s actions is unwarranted. Charamba’s statement can be seen as an endorsement of the couple’s right to accept gifts, despite the criticism they face.
As of now, neither Charles nor Mai Charamba has publicly addressed the criticism or made a statement regarding their decision to accept the cars from Chivayo.
Their silence, combined with the strong support from Charamba, indicates that they are opting to stay above the fray and continue with their work, undeterred by public opinion.
While the controversy rages on in the court of public opinion, the Charambas remain focused on their music, which continues to inspire many across Zimbabwe.
The support from Charamba’s office suggests a larger political backing for the couple, whose musical contributions have transcended political boundaries for many years.
In the end, it seems the Charambas are facing a delicate balancing act—navigating public scrutiny while remaining true to their long-standing careers and values.
However, with backing from influential figures like George Charamba, it’s clear that they are not backing down from the pressure.