By Showbiz Reporter-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s business partner, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, controversially blocked Winky D’s annual New Year’s Eve show at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
The move has reignited suspicions of Zanu PF’s discomfort with the musician’s socially conscious lyrics, often challenging the ruling party’s governance.
For years, Winky D, affectionately known as “Gaffa,” has hosted his iconic crossover event at the HICC, using the platform to launch new albums.
However, this year, Tagwirei’s Bridging Gaps Foundation secured the venue for a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church event, sidelining the artist.
Reports reveal the foundation paid the Rainbow Tourism Group a staggering $245,000, which included booking 200 rooms for five days.
Sources close to the deal allege that Rainbow approached Tagwirei to fill the slot after deeming Winky D’s revenue-sharing agreement financially unviable.
This arrangement has fueled speculation of political interference, with Rainbow partially owned by the state and Tagwirei’s ties to Mnangagwa deepening public mistrust.
Winky D’s legal representatives, Tsunga Law International, disclosed that the venue had been reserved since May 2024, with preparations already underway.
Despite this, Rainbow opted to prioritize another event.
The decision has sparked outrage among fans, who accuse Rainbow and Tagwirei of orchestrating a political ploy to silence the artist.
Known for his hard-hitting critiques of corruption, inequality, and oppression, Winky D has long been a thorn in Zanu PF’s side.
His music has faced censorship before, including a ZBC blacklist, and his latest album, Eureka Eureka, drew sharp rebukes from ruling party officials for its potent social commentary.
As uncertainty looms over Winky D’s plans for New Year’s Eve, fans are rallying behind the artist, viewing the move as yet another attempt to stifle artistic freedom in Zimbabwe.
Speculation is rife that Winky D may announce an alternative venue, continuing his tradition of using music as a platform for resistance.
-Online