Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Arts and Entertainment
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s dancehall kingpin Winky D (real name Wallace Chirumiko) has defiantly shifted his highly anticipated August 30 album launch to Alex Sports Club, marking a dramatic exit from the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) after a controversial cancellation of his long-standing New Year’s Eve booking.
The move follows a high-profile dispute where businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s foundation paid US$245,000 to secure the HICC for a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church event, overriding Winky D’s prior reservation .
The HICC Controversy: $245,000 “Windfall” Ousts National Icon
Last December, Winky D’s management – who had booked the HICC in May 2024 – received a crushing blow when Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) canceled their contract, citing prioritization of “another event.”
Investigations revealed Tagwirei’s Bridging Gaps Foundation had swooped in with a US$245,000 payment to RTG, covering the venue and 200 hotel rooms for five days for an SDA Church crossover service .
RTG justified the move by claiming Winky D’s revenue-share deal was “not financially beneficial,” unlike Tagwirei’s upfront payment. A source disclosed:
“Rainbow invited Tagwirei to use the HICC… They negotiated an arrangement where Tagwirei pays US$245,000”.
The SDA Church later distanced itself from the backlash, with lawyer Thabani Mpofu stating:
“Leave my church out of this… The allegation is the very antithesis of the church’s thrust” .
Controversial cleric Passion Java further fueled tensions, boasting on social media:
“I was behind the cancellation… to teach youths respect for elders,” accusing Winky D of disrespecting President Mnangagwa .
Fans erupted, alleging political censorship given Tagwirei’s status as a sanctioned Zanu-PF financier and Winky D’s history of critical lyrics .
Alex Sports Club: A New Chapter for the “Gaffa”
Undeterred, Winky D has secured Alex Sports Club – a spacious open-air venue previously used by artists like Freeman HKD – for his August 30 album launch. The shift signals both resilience and a strategic embrace of accessible spaces.
“The deal has been successfully concluded!” confirmed promoters on social media, sparking a frenzy among the “Vigilance Nation” fanbase .
Industry analysts note the relocation may amplify Winky D’s message. Cultural critic Tinashe Gumbo observed:
“Alex Sports Club symbolizes artistic freedom. Unlike the elite HICC, it’s a people’s arena – perfect for an artist whose music critiques power.”
Fallout and the Fight for Creative Spaces
The HICC debacle has intensified debates about corporate ethics and political interference in Zimbabwe’s arts. RTG, partly state-owned, faces ongoing criticism for breaching contractual agreements. Winky D’s legal team previously lamented the venue’s “disregard for the agreement,” stressing the artist’s “significant effort” in preparing for fans .
Meanwhile, Tagwirei and RTG remain silent despite public outrage . As one fan rallied on Twitter:
“They blocked the venue, not the voice! #VigilanceIsBac
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