A legal battle is brewing between Winky D and Gateway Streams Media over the use of the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) main auditorium.
Winky D has cited a contractual breach by Gateway Streams Media, the event organiser.
The venue, affectionately known as Jabhuna, which means "home" or "fortress" and is synonymous with Winky D's annual performances, is reportedly going to be occupied by gospel musician Everton Mlalazi for a private dinner and concert.
Mlalazi's reported event, which is expected to mirror his inaugural crossover concert, last year at the Glamis Arena, is reportedly backed by influential figures within the Zanu PF party.
"It's done. Winky D won't be having his crossover concert. The venue has been booked, and someone has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to use it," said a source familiar with the situation.
"It's a private dinner event, accompanied by gospel music, and open only to invited guests. It's not for profit," said the source.
This development has left Winky D's dedicated fan base disheartened, as they eagerly anticipate the artiste's yearly New Year's Eve extravaganza.
Winky D has been hosting his New Year's Eve crossover concerts at the HICC for several years now.
It's become a well-established tradition for his fans to gather at the venue to ring in the New Year with his electrifying performances.
Interestingly, last week, HICC hosted an event dubbed "Shutdown," headlined by Jah Prayzah, an artiste reported to have links to Zanu PF.
The event was graced by Zanu PF Member of Parliament Pedzisayi "Scott" Sakupwanya and the free-spending Wicknell Chivayo.
The following day, Chivayo gifted members of Jah Prayzah's band with new cars and cash, apparently as a reward for their performance at the HICC "Shutdown" gig.
Through his lawyers, Tsunga Law International, Winky D has released a statement regarding the matter.
"Winky D remains enthusiastic about delivering an exceptional crossover performance at HICC on December 31, 2024, a venue his fans are very familiar with.
"His management team secured the venue as early as May 2024 and made all necessary arrangements for the show.
"Winky D values the connection he has with his fans and is dedicated to providing a memorable performance.
"He has invested significant effort into preparing for this event, reflecting his commitment to bringing joy to his audience.
"However, the venue owners have chosen to prioritise another event on the same date, which unfortunately disregards the agreement established with Winky D.
"This development has placed the artist in a challenging position as he aims to meet his fans' expectations.
"Currently, discussions are underway to address this issue, though we are unable to disclose further details at this time.
"Regrettably, these unexpected external circumstances threaten to disrupt what has been highly anticipated by both Winky D and his loyal fans.
"We recognise that such changes can be difficult for all parties involved, particularly for artists who are deeply committed to their audiences.
"The fans will be kept informed as Winky D works to resolve the issue," reads the statement.
In response to Winky D's statement, Rainbow Tourism Group spokesperson Pride Khumbula said they were in discussions with the dancehall chanter's team.
"We are currently in cordial discussions with Winky D’s team. We are, therefore, surprised by the reports circulating," said Khumbula.
Last year's crossover saw the celebration of his 20th anniversary in music.
The other previous year, he launched his politically charged and socially conscious album Eureka Eureka, which led to him being banned on radio and Zanu PF aligned pressure groups such as EEG calling for his complete silence on radio, television and live shows.
Winky D has faced various forms of subtle and overt attacks from Zanu PF and its affiliated groups, often manifesting through censorship, public criticism, and violent disruptions of his performances.
For example, his music has been excluded from state-controlled media, and his concerts have been targeted by authorities, sometimes leading to cancellations or disruptions.
Mlalazi's, last year's black-tie event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church leaders from across Zimbabwe, Adventist pastors, members of the Harare City Centre SDA, chaplains from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Zimbabwe Republic Police, and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, as well as various educators, business associates, and relatives of businessman and philanthropist Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
Tagwirei is closely linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu PF party.
The event was further elevated by virtual addresses from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa, and the regional leader of the SDA Church in the Southern African Indian Division.
Joining the virtual addresses, as well was Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda, police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, and the Southern African regional leader of the SDA, H Akombwa.
Only those with an exclusive invitation were granted access to this crossover celebration into 2024, marked by spiritual ministering and captivating music.
Organised by the Bridging Gaps Foundation, a venture of Tagwirei and his wife Sandra, the event catered to both in-person attendees and a wider audience through live broadcasts on ZBC TV, seven radio stations, and various online platforms.
The Celestial Chorus Soiree was a spectacular showcase of artists such as Janet Manyowa, Rudo Madindi, Dumi Mkotstad, Canaan Nyathi, Ayanda Ntanzi, Lebo Sekgobela, Maka Manzi Orchestra, Mpumi Mtsweni, Peniel and Munashe, who graced the stage with their performances.
In 2019, at the HICC, there were reports that the government attempted to block the launch of Winky D's album Njema.
The government claimed that some of the songs in the album contained politically charged lyrics that could incite unrest.
However, the launch ultimately went ahead, and the album was released.
In January, Winky D was featured in a Human Rights Watch report, which painted a concerning picture of the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, highlighting widespread violations by authorities.
The Human Rights Watch report, based on extensive research and interviews with opposition leaders, election observers, lawyers, activists, and ordinary citizens, found that Zimbabwean authorities have failed to uphold fundamental human rights enshrined in both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.
Winky D has faced the brunt of this crackdown, particularly since the release of his politically charged album Eureka Eureka in January 2023.
The album's lyrics criticising social and political injustices, corruption, and the economic crisis in Zimbabwe drew the ire of authorities.
“On March 4, 2023, police shut down the show of a popular musician Wallace Chirumiko.
Popularly known as Winky D, the reggae-dancehall artiste had released an album that contained lyrics against social and political injustice, corruption, and the economic meltdown in Zimbabwe,” the report read.
The report explicitly stated: "The authorities' continued suppression of meetings and gatherings by the opposition, artists, critics, and human rights defenders constitutes a blatant violation of the right to freedom of assembly."
Furthermore, the report raises serious concerns about the conduct of the August 23, 2023, general elections, which saw Mnangagwa retained as President.
The report also details a climate of threats, intimidation, and violence against political opponents, further undermining the electoral environment.