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Just a week after releasing his 14th studio album Ndini Mukudzei, Zimbabwean music sensation Jah Prayzah has become the beneficiary of a lavish gift from controversial businessman and Zanu-PF ally, Wicknell Chivayo.
In a display of opulence that has both captivated and angered many Zimbabweans, Chivayo handed Jah Prayzah the keys to a brand-new 2025 Range Rover Autobiography, valued at over US$200,000, along with US$150,000 in cash. The gesture, which Chivayo proudly shared on social media, was framed as a reward for Jah Prayzah’s musical accomplishments and the successful album launch event held at Old Hararians Club in Harare.
“As I promised before, and in celebration of your unstoppable progress and the major success of Ndini Mukudzei last Saturday, please go and see Victor at Exquisite Motors—your brand-new 2025 Range Rover Autobiography is fully paid for and ready for collection,” Chivayo posted. “A GOAT like you deserves to drive nothing but the highest luxury. In addition, please collect your US$150,000 in cash as promised.” This latest gift marks the second time in recent months that Chivayo has showered Jah Prayzah with such extravagant offerings, cementing their association and sparking fresh debate about the intersection of wealth, politics, and celebrity in Zimbabwe.
Jah Prayzah, who has maintained close ties with the ruling Zanu-PF party for years
Jah Prayzah, a long-time supporter of the ruling Zanu-PF party, has often performed at state functions and party events, earning both admiration for his musical talent and criticism for his political affiliations. His close ties to figures like Chivayo have increasingly placed him at the center of political discourse in the country.
However, the timing of this particular gift has sparked widespread public backlash. The Zimbabwean government, under the same political establishment that Chivayo is aligned with, is currently facing scathing criticism for its failure to address key public service crises. The healthcare sector is in dire straits, with many hospitals lacking basic medical supplies and patients often forced to seek treatment in overcrowded, underfunded facilities.
In this context, many Zimbabweans see the gifting of luxury vehicles and large cash sums to celebrities as a symbol of misplaced priorities. “It’s obscene,” commented one social media user. “People are dying in hospitals with no medicine while the elite reward each other with million-dollar gifts.” Critics argue that such displays of wealth are tone-deaf in a country grappling with severe economic challenges, including soaring inflation, high unemployment, food insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure. The stark contrast between the flashy gift and the average citizen’s daily struggle has reignited discussions about corruption, inequality, and accountability in public life.
Further compounding the controversy is Chivayo’s entanglement in a growing financial scandal. Just last month, he was implicated by South African financial institutions in an alleged tender scandal involving Ren-Form CC, a company that received a contract from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) during the 2023 general elections. The company is accused of inflating prices for its services, with nearly R800 million reportedly linked to bank accounts associated with Chivayo.
As of now, Jah Prayzah has not publicly commented on the gift. However, his ongoing association with Chivayo and his apparent comfort within the circles of political and financial power have made him one of the most polarizing figures in Zimbabwean pop culture.
For many, Jah Prayzah remains an icon of Zimbabwean music — a trailblazer whose fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds has won him fans both at home and abroad. But his political proximity and perceived silence on social issues have also made him a lightning rod for debate, highlighting the complex role artists play in shaping — and reflecting — the socio-political landscape of modern Zimbabwe.