By Showbiz Reporter | Breaking News: Winky D’s HICC Drama Sparks Debate Over SDA Church’s Role
Harare, Zimbabwe — The fallout from Winky D’s reported exclusion from performing at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) has ignited a fierce public debate, with Advocate Thabani Mpofu and UK-based lawyer Brighton Mutebuka exchanging sharp opinions over the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church’s alleged involvement.
Winky D, a celebrated Zimbabwean musician known for his politically charged lyrics, was scheduled to perform at the HICC on December 31. Reports suggest the event was abruptly canceled due to pressure allegedly linked to the SDA Church, which owns the venue. Advocate Thabani Mpofu, a staunch defender of the church, has vehemently denied the allegations, branding them as “completely false.”
“The SDA church is a reputable Christian denomination that promotes peace and harmony, not conflict or manipulation,” Mpofu asserted in his statement. “It is committed to spreading love, kindness, and understanding and holds these values so close to its teachings and actions. The allegation is the very antithesis of the church’s thrust, which strives to maintain a good reputation and promote positive values.”
Mpofu, affectionately known as Advocate Fulcrum, dismissed claims linking the church to political interference, emphasizing that the SDA does not engage in “fighting for turf with a secular artist.”
However, UK-based lawyer Brighton Mutebuka has challenged Mpofu’s defense, arguing that the political climate in Zimbabwe makes it plausible for influential figures, including business tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei, to exert pressure on institutions like the SDA Church.
Mutebuka cited Tagwirei’s close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa as a potential factor in the HICC controversy. “No single sector in Zimbabwe is beyond ED’s overbearing reach or tentacles. The SDA is no exception,” he said.
He further elaborated: “The digital and evidential footprint is highly significant. While the SDA Church is dear to you, the bright-line approach can’t be sustained in this context. There are too many grey areas, and the allegation cannot be discounted. Secularism is as important as religion in objective terms. It covers atheists and is a fundamental right.”
Mutebuka urged Mpofu to separate his personal commitment to the SDA Church from its susceptibility to external influence, particularly given the controversy surrounding Tagwirei’s involvement with the church.
“This is a messy situation,” Mutebuka concluded. “There’s a lot about Tagwirei that’s in the public domain. It’s enough to make it plausible for him to use his power and influence to dislodge Winky D’s booking to placate ED and his regime.”
The dispute has sparked widespread public debate over the intersection of religion, politics, and artistic expression in Zimbabwe. Many have called for greater transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Winky D’s canceled performance, while others have defended the SDA Church’s integrity.
For now, Winky D’s fans are left disappointed as the artist, known for his fearless critique of social and political issues, remains at the center of this brewing controversy. As the debate rages on, the country watches closely to see whether this high-profile clash will lead to accountability or further division.