EXILED musician Thomas Mapfumo has urged Winky D to stand with the people and speak truth to power in the wake of the artist's media blackout and run in with authorities.
Mapfumo, who resides in the United States, made these remarks following Winky D's lack of airplay on national radio and ZBC TV since the release of his album Eureka Eureka last year.
"I performed with him in England and told him this fight isn't for the faint at heart," Mapfumo said.
"He needs to be vigilant. He should stand with the people and resist the pressure of the oppressors even if they try to sabotage or persecute him."
"We see Zanu PF giving cars to some musicians while victimising others, who aren't party cheerleaders," Mapfumo added.
The frontman of The Vigilance Band has also faced criticism from the ruling party for his politically charged lyrics, which they claim cause despondency.
Zanu PF spokesperson Farai Marapira recently accused Winky D of abusing his artistic privilege to attack the government.
“It is unfortunate that Winky D, an artiste relevant (sic) because of a decided Zanu PF policy in the early 2000s to uplift local art has taken the same gift handed to him to attack the benevolent hand,” Marapira said.
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“As a political party we have a right to assess his actions and respond politically also, of course as always within the tenets of the law. Let it be also known that as his musical star wanes he has decided to delve into politics to hopefully get attention and more views on his ailing musical career. A mammoth party like Zanu PF is not really bothered by a miniscule actor such as him because everyone seeks relevance by speaking about the party.” added Marapira.
A Human Rights Watch report released in January highlighted Winky D's case and painted a concerning picture of the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, detailing widespread violations by authorities.
"On March 4th, 2023, police shut down the show of popular musician Wallace Chirimiko, better known as Winky D," the report states. "The reggae-dancehall artist had recently released an album with lyrics critical of social and political injustice, corruption, and the economic meltdown in Zimbabwe."
The report went on to explicitly state: "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 August 23, 2023 elections, which saw Emmerson Mnangagwa retaining the presidency. 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.
The report also detailed a climate of threats, intimidation, and violence against political opponents, further undermining the electoral environment.
