Winky D's run in with the authorities
WINKY D had a run-in with the ruling party Zanu PF as well as the police as from January till today.
The dancehall icon seemed to have irked the authorities with his social commentary and politically charged lyrics off his album Eureka Eureka, which was launched on January 1.
Zanu PF-affiliated members and pressure groups called for the ban of his music on radio and live performances. State-run radio station managers were reportedly ordered not to play the musician's music nor mention him, which the radio and ZBC TV officials refuted in public, but a survey on their programmes show that they deliberately muted Winky D.
At one point in time at Dam View in Chitungwiza, his performance was cut short by police for no apparent reason. The police spokesperson Paul Nyathi told the Standard Style that the law enforcement agents invaded the show as part of a national anti-drug campaign search.
The run-ins with Zanu PF, and police took centre stage of the artiste's yearly activities. The artiste will, on December 31, perform at the HICC and we wait to see if there won't be any interference.
Jah Prayzah on historic double album release
The lanky singer made history by launching two albums in two different cities in two days. Chiremerera was launched on May 12 and Mait Baba was launched in Bulawayo the following night.
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Chiremerera became an instant hit, and like always his music is associated with Zanu PF idealogy, the song was constantly used at the ruling party's campaign rallies prior to the August 23 and 24 elections.
Holy Ten joined Zanu PF
After his song with Winky D iBotso came out, Holy Ten distanced himself from Winky D and claimed he was coerced into doing the song.
Holy Ten went on a series of attacks against Winky D and eventually went public in support of Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa ahead of the elections.
It is reported that the musician was gifted with a car and money for his contributions in campaigning for Zanu PF.
Ricky Fire, Chamisa love-hate affair
Ricky Fire made headlines when he joined Citizens Coalition for Change campaign rallies, perfoming there prior to elections in the party's signature colours.
The artiste became the first to feature Nelson Chamisa on a track, which spoke of CCC's aspirations of beating Zanu PF in the elections.
Ricky Fire became the darling of CCC supporters who did not know that the musician would switch his political tone, rather, his allegiency to Zanu PF.
The artiste was at the centre of scrutiny when he dined and wined with Zanu PF officials and it was reported that he was gifted with a car.
In a recent interview on a podcast, the artiste denied being a member of any political party and said that he did it in his capacity as a musician who had been booked.
Saintfloew, Silent Killer on drug abuse
Rapper Saintfloew had a good start to the year, dropping hit after hit and even featuring on Winky D's album. However, his fine run went through a hiccup when he publicly admitted to drug and substance abuse, prompting his handler Tinashe Mutarisi to book him into a rehabilitation centre in South Africa.
Saintfloew was discharged from the centre and dropped an album, which many critics described as good.
When Saintfloew went for rehabilitation he had been on top of his game, he was the sought-after rapper for features and shows. However, music fans quickly adapted and filled the void that he had left.
Fans took in Silent Killer, affectionately known as Ngwere. Despite reports and allegations of his drug and substance use, Ngwere became the darling of the public and also darling of features from fellow artistes.
Recently Ngwere was dumped by his manager, Elder Shambare, who said the artist was uncontrollable and abused substances.
Sandra Ndebele Sibindi in politics
She made headlines when she launched her album Umuzi which was sold for a staggering $US53 000 at the ZITF.
She went on to make headlines as she contested in the municipal elections during the August 23 general elections, which she lost. She however, won the council seat during the December 9 by-elections.
Ndebele also went on to graduate with an Honors Degree in Music Business, Musicology and Technology at the Midlands State University.
Doek and Slay
The female-oriented monthly event, which started in Harare became so popular and spread across all corners of Zimbabwe.
The themed event became a rendezvous for fun-loving women and girls.
Mai TT
Comedienne Felistas Murandu, aka Mai TT, gave us a whirlwind of headline after headline by jumping straight from divorce court to the criminal one.
She was arrested, convicted and sentenced and served a jail term. Amongst the charges she faced were theft, fraud and defaulting on community service.
Sipho Mazibuko
Modelling industry icon Sipho Mazibuko bowed down and got off the ramp. She announced her retirement from her duties as an active mentor and modelling instructor. She said she would now be focusing on mental health awareness in the marginalised communities.
Deaths
Mbuya Stella Chiweshe
Early this year, the showbiz recorded the death of veteran mbira musician Mbuya Stella Chiweshe. Mbuya Chiweshe who died at the age of 76, was also an actress who played a role in the film Mbuya nehanda.
Diva Mafunga
Gospel musician Davies 'Diva' Mafunga who rose to fame in the early 2000s through his debut album titled Endai Naizvozvo died in a road accident in July.
Mafunga was buried at his rural home in Mt Darwin.
Insimbi zeZhwane
Rhumba outfit Insimbi ZeZhwane’s founder and lead vocalist Elvis “MaEli” Mathe and drummer Thembinkosi 'Maviri' Mpofu died in a road traffic accident in August along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway. MaEli was laid to rest at his rural home in Magabelana village, Tsholotsho while Maviri was buried at Luveve cemetery in Bulawayo.
In honour of the late musicians, the Bulawayo Arts Awards organisers dedicated this year Rhumba/Tshibilika award to the deceased.
Garry Mapanzure
Afro-pop musician Garikai “Garry” Mapanzure died in October after sustaining injuries in an accident that occurred along the Beitbridge-Masvingo Highway.
Mapanzure was 25 at the time of his death. He was buried in his hometown in Masvingo.
Bob Nyabinde
The arts industry had its own share of life loss, with the death of legendary musician Bob Nyabinde after battling sickness for some time. Nyabinde, popularly known as the Headmaster was famed for his yesteryear hit Chabuda hapana. He was buried in his hometown Kwekwe.
The arts also lost musician Terry G who passed on at a Harare hospital after battling sickness.
Eric Moyo
The CBZ A academy finalist and a member of the famed Joyous Celebration died in South Africa this month.
