By Showbiz Reporter-A wave of public appeals by Zimbabwean musicians for cars and financial handouts—mostly directed at controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo—has sparked growing concern over what critics are calling the “normalisation of begging” in the country’s entertainment industry In recent months, several artists, including established names, have taken to social media platforms to plead for luxury vehicles and other donations from Chivayo, whose flashy lifestyle and record of dishing out top-of-the-range cars to entertainers have elevated him to a messianic figure in showbiz circles While some musicians have celebrated success after receiving vehicles and cash from the businessman, critics say the culture of public solicitation is diminishing the stature of artists and exposing deeper issues of financial mismanagement, lack of long-term planning, and structural neglect of the arts What began as sporadic endorsements has now morphed into a widespread trend
Singers, actors, dancers, and even gospel artists have been lining up, sometimes subtly and often shamelessly, to get Chivayo’s attention—with many tagging him directly in posts and even producing tribute songs in his honour One of the most heartbreaking examples is Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, a revered sungura icon often hailed as the godfather of the genre Despite his decades-long career, Zakaria has publicly appealed for food hampers and is currently seeking assistance for mounting medical bills Another sungura veteran, First Farai—who also sits on the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) board—recently begged for a vehicle and musical instruments
Tedious Matsito Jnr, son of the late Tedious Matsito, has made similar appeals, seeking transport and equipment to revive his father’s legacy Sugar Sugar (real name Taruvinga Manjokota), once riding high with hits likeJulianaandMairosi, has now taken to social media lamenting neglect from fans and the music industry alike, while extending a metaphorical begging bowl In a particularly dramatic example, disabled singer Tongai “Greatman” Gwaze managed to raise over US$10,000 through a GoFundMe campaign initiated by fans—after his direct appeals to Chivayo appeared to be ignored Although the campaign succeeded in securing him a vehicle, fans have since grown disillusioned with his continued solicitations, viewing them as excessive
Observers often contrast the current trend with the dignified resilience of the lateDhewa—Tongai Moyo—who famously performed shows even while battling terminal illness, refusing to rely on public sympathy Though he occasionally received support from close associates, he never publicly begged, and is remembered as a consummate professional who maintained his dignity to the end The trend of public appeals has also spilled over into other creative sectors, including film, literature, theatre, and fine arts Once-celebrated icons are now more visible for their pleas than their artistic output, with some accusing younger generations of abandoning the very mentors who paved the way for them
Source: Zimeye
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Source: Zimeye
