To kick off the new year, Zimbabwean music icon Winky D shared a heartfelt message with his devoted fans, the “Gafas”, expressing gratitude and reflecting on the past year.
In his post, the “Gafa” himself acknowledged the complexities of the past year, a journey marked by both triumphs and trials. He candidly admitted to the internal struggles he faced, particularly the anxieties that arose as he contemplated the culmination of a significant chapter in his career.
These comments came amidst a recent controversy surrounding Winky D's planned New Year's Eve show at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). The venue owners reportedly cancelled Winky D's event to accommodate another function, despite a prior agreement with the musician.
Winky D's legal representative stated that the artist had secured the HICC venue in May last year and had invested significant time and effort in preparing for the show. The unexpected cancellation has presented a significant challenge for the musician and his team.
Winky D music has faced bans on national radio and television due to its socially and politically conscious lyrics. He has faced disturbances at his shows.
Winky D expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support of his fans, highlighting the profound impact of their presence at his live shows in the UK and Bulawayo.
“Amidst the tempest, we found flickers of joy and connection through music,” Winky D said.
“Towards the end, I faced hurdles that overwhelmed my feeble heart. Anxiety gripped me as I pondered how to close this chapter on a high note.
“Your presence at my live shows in the UK and Bulawayo became the beacon of light during dark hours. Dances on the edge of uncertainty, anxiety and excitement fought within me. But you, the Gafas, sang along.”
He acknowledged that his fans' loyalty and enthusiasm serve as a constant source of inspiration, reminding him of the unbreakable bond they have forged over the years.
“Hope flickered anew. Your unwavering loyalty and vibrant enthusiasm reminded me of the profound unbreakable bond we have shared over the years,” Winky D said.
“Each note I play and every lyric I sing is dedicated to you. Your energy fuels my creativity and commitment to our cause. Thank you for being my strength during these trying times. Your support transcends words; it is a lifeline that propels me forward.”
The musician concluded his message with a hopeful outlook for the future, urging his fans to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead in the new year.
“Together, let us carry this momentum into the new year, embracing both challenges and triumphs that might await us on the horizon,"
Winky D's message resonates deeply with his fans, serving as a reminder of the powerful connection between artist and audience. It reaffirmed the significance of their unwavering support in his artistic journey and instilled a sense of hope and optimism as they collectively embark on a new chapter, which is 2025.
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.
In January, last year, Winky D was featured in a Human Rights Watch report. The report paints 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, finds 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.
The report explicitly states: “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 Emmerson Mnangagwa retained as President.
Many observers, including the Southern African Development Community deemed the elections as failing to meet constitutional and international standards, citing irregularities and a lack of impartiality from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.