Harare, 2010. The city was electric. Dancehall fans flooded every street corner with one conversation only the arrival of Jamaican firebrand Capleton. Posters were everywhere, kombis were blasting riddims, and Zimbabwean dancehall was beginning to find its own identity. But there was another name on that lineup that carried just as much weight in the streets Winky D.
At that time, Winky D was already becoming the voice of the ghetto youths. Every township knew his lyrics word for word. The people expected fireworks when he and Capleton shared the same stage. It was supposed to be a historic night for dancehall culture in Zimbabwe. But behind the scenes, things were not smooth. Word started circulating that the organisers wanted to sideline Winky D. Some say they tried to reduce his importance on the lineup. Others whispered that they wanted him to perform under conditions that disrespected his brand and growing influence.
To many artists, that would have been a small issue. But to Winky D, respect came first. When the moment arrived, Winky D allegedly refused to perform. The crowd was shocked. Rumours spread through the venue like wildfire. Some thought he was scared. Others thought there had been a fight backstage. Nobody really knew the full truth that night. Then the next morning, newspapers exploded with headlines claiming Winky D “akapoya mumba make” But Winky D would later answer in the only way he knew best through music. Days later, fans connected the dots when he dropped the powerful lines in Takaipa Takaipa: “Makazoona pakapinda shango vakada kundibatira ndakaramba mutambo Vakazomhanya kumapepa nhau hanzi ndakapoya mumba make kwani inyambo” To the fans, those lyrics were not just bars.
They were a response to that 2010 incident. A statement that he refused to be trapped or disrespected by the system, and when he stood his ground, the media tried to turn the story against him. That moment became part of Zimbabwean dancehall folklore a reminder that Winky D was never just an entertainer. He was an artist who guarded his dignity fiercely, even when it cost him the stage. And in true Gaffa fashion, instead of holding a press conference, he turned the pain into timeless lyrics.