Extra Basso: Wicknell Chivayo gifts Alick Macheso with US$140k Mercedes

HARARE – Sungura legend Alick Macheso became the latest beneficiary of businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s generosity after being gifted a 2022 Mercedes Benz GLE400d reportedly worth US$140 000.

Chivayo has been on a spending spree over the last few months, gifting musicians, radio personalities, Zanu-PF supporters and even congregants from his own church with brand new vehicles.

However, questions have been asked about the source of Wicknell’s wealth and the sudden outpouring of generosity from the controversial businessman.

In a post on Instagram, Chivayo said the vehicle was a thank you gift to Macheso for the role he had played in uplifting the arts in the country over the years.

“Congratulations to the man himself ALECK MACHESO ALE ALE ALE and the Orchestra Mberikwazvo… Please go to EXQUISITE DEALERSHIP and see Victor your new and beautiful 2022 MERCEDES BENZ GLE400d (PREMIUM PLUS) is ready for collection…

“Thank you for your immense contribution to the music industry and the entertainment at our ZANU PF rallies throughout the years. Your efforts to entertain us supporters at our star rallies are most appreciated,” he wrote.

In a video circulating on social media, a jubilant and emotional Macheso is seen celebrating as he receives the vehicle.

Exiled Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo criticized Chivayo and the Zanu PF government for donating expensive cars to musicians while ignoring the poor state of hospitals and the poverty that most Zimbabweans face.

Chivayo splashed cars on Zanu-PF affiliated musicians, including Sandra Ndebele, Jah Prayzah, DJ Fantan, Seh Calaz and Mathias Mhere among others.

In an interview with Lance Guma on Nehanda TV, Mapfumo, a fierce critic of the Zanu-PF government, believes that the musicians are accepting these cars out of financial hardship.

“We’re in this situation because of poverty,” he said. “They are accepting all these beautiful cars because they can’t afford them. I saw Jah Prayzah thanking him (Wicknell Chivayo) after receiving a car that he had never seen.”

However, Mapfumo questioned the logic behind giving away luxury cars when the majority of Zimbabweans are struggling financially.

“You’re giving cars to musicians, yet they already have their own cars, which they bought through their own means,” he said.

“Why can’t you just channel that money to hospitals? Our roads are in a bad state, and people are living in poverty. Our fight is not for certain individuals to get a good living but for everyone to come out of poverty.”