Winky D fires warning shots ahead of big battle

By Mtandazo Dube

Fresh from a tour of Britain, Winky D has fired warning shots to the four big guns he will be sharing the stage with on September 30. The Baba Musarova Big Man hit-maker says he has grown as an artiste and his stage act with live instruments is something that has never been seen before.

Winky D will be performing only for the third time using a live band. He has previously used live instruments at the Harare International Festival of the Arts, where he did exceptionally well, and at the Winter Jazz Festival, where his performance was somewhat below par while his involvement at the musical fete drew the ire of many a jazz fan.

The Kambuzuma-based microphone chanter says his upcoming showdown with Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Tongai Moyo and Suluman Chimbetu will not be determined by the past but by the lessons he has learnt to date.

“We are coming from a background of using backtracks during live shows, but we have also grasped the concept. We now know what is required of us and what we need to do with our music when we are using live instruments.

“This show will prove once and for all that Winky D has matured as a musician and that I am versatile. We have a big surprise for the people come the big day as it will be our first show since we returned from touring the UK,” said Winky D.

Born Wallace Chirumiko, Winky D says he has been busy in the studio putting final touches to an album that is to be released “when people least expect it”.

“An album is definitely in the offing — that is why I have not been active since my return from the UK. But its release, just as the Ninja Do It, will be when the people least expect it. We strike when everyone does not expect us to,” he said.

Music promoter Patson Chimbodza, who seems to be taking an interest in young up-and-coming artistes, says Winky D has been a rare phenomenon in Zimbabwe’s music industry.

“This young man is different — he has an amazing following and if these big artistes are not careful they will be curtain-raising for him very soon,” said Chimbodza, better known as Chipaz in entertainment circles.

Chipaz added that even though Winky D is still new to the world of live instruments, his crossover effect in terms of fans is what will take him to greater heights. He also took time to praise Tongai Moyo for his resilience and never-say-die attitude, saying the musician has shown great character over the years, especially during his battle with cancer.

“This is no ordinary show — everyone coming to this party has exceptional abilities. Look at Oliver and his new-look band, Tongai and his battle with cancer, a rejuvenated Alick and Suluman, whose fan base continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Dubbed “Zim Finest”, the show takes place at Andy Miller Hall in what is likely to be one of the biggest shows this year.