By Chantel Takudzwa Zambukira
Award winning African urban-reggae musician Winky D has been labelled anti-ZANU-PF and pro CCC by some Twitter users.
Claiming to use his God given talent in order to speak out against the evils in society, the self-styled ‘Gafa’ president launched his controversial album on December the 31st in Harare.
After listening to the new album, some self styled ZANU-PF supporters like Gondai Mutongi took to Twitter to dismiss the artist who was born Wallace Chirumiko as nothing but a Citizen Coalition for Change hypeman.
“Winky D reminds me of Thomas Mapfumo who became an MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) Activist whilst he was still young. Now he’s old, tired and poor while ZANU-PF remains in power. Imi ndimi munopera ZANU-PF ichingotonga…”
( ZANU-PF will remain in power whilst you will continue struggling)
“Winky D Bigman must be banned from performing in Zimbabwe,” said shadowy Economic, Empowerment Group (EEG) on their Facebook page
The ZANU-PF Director of Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi also chipped in saying, “I will not attack WinkyD for how he expresses himself. His views are not society’s views. I only feel pity when he glorifies anti-people views to further lame politics. Lesson is former Chimurenga guru Mukanya who is now a pale shadow of his former-self. He was shown a middle finger”
One of the local artists that collaborated with Winky D on Eureka Eureka, Hip-hoper Holly-Ten perhaps feeling the heat from ZANU-PF activists says, he regrets being part of the project.
Holly-Ten features on a song called ‘Ibotso’ which talks about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.
“Activists, Journalists, lawyers- split opinions will not do any good for a brand that’s trying to serve and save everyone, so help me by not acting like I’ve picked a side. Do not politicise a project that I’ve considered a mere honour to be part of. I regret it now honestly,” said the Machills hit maker.
Music teacher, music blogger and artist Trevor Mawaka of Colour My Dreams Fame said attacks on the Vigilance Band leader (Winky D) were uncalled for as he sees Winky as a social commentator who just mirrors what happens in society.
“Winky D’s music bases on the social way of life in Zimbabwe. There is no way one can run away from the problems faced by Zimbabweans without addressing social issues that he picked.” the Charleston Primary School choir leader said.
“Winky D is a social commentator just like Thomas Mapfumo who was addressing social issues. In the same vain, there is no suggestion that he is affiliated to the opposition,” said Mawaka.
On Facebook, a group calling itself Nelson Chamisa supporters poured gasoline onto the fire by congratulating the Gafa president for launching the Eureka Eureka album.
“Eureka Eureka.Shaker yaka shacker !
Congratulations Winky Dee the Big Man and your battalion of young talent on a successful Album Launch.
Entering 2023 in style !
Happy New Year.”
Meanwhile, state Daily, The Herald has described Winky D’s Saturday event as an epic masterpiece album launch.
“For an artist in the world, their wish is to end the year in style, launching a successful album. This was the order of the day on new year’s eve when Zim dancehall music sensation Winky D launched his much anticipated and highly publicised album Eureka Eureka at Harare International Conference Centre, Harare.”
The state paper goes on to describe how electric the event was with a high attendance by socialites, celebrities, fashion icons and musicians among others.
The privately owned News Day, praises Winky D for working with various artists on Eureka Eureka.
“The album symbolises Winky D carrying the torch on the sleeve jacket endorsing the future of Zimbabwean music. Eureka Eureka sows seeds of unity among Zim dance hall and hip-hop artists, it remains to be seen if they germinate and blossom,” the Alpha media daily says.