One Stage, Two Kings: The night Winky D and Jah Prayzah settled nothing but proved everything

Harare came alive on the final night of 2025 as Zimbabwe’s music titans, Winky D and Jah Prayzah, headlined the much-anticipated One Big Party at Glamis Arena.

What was billed as a harmonious celebration of local talent quickly evolved into a thrilling display of fan fervour, with the Gaffa President emerging as the undisputed highlight of the evening.

Organised by Chipaz Promotions in partnership with COCAZ, the event drew thousands of revellers eager to usher in 2026 with a blend of dancehall vibes and contemporary Afro-fusion.

Originally set for the Hockey Stadium at the National Sports Stadium, the venue shifted to Glamis Arena to accommodate surging ticket demand and guard against unpredictable weather, complete with protective tents ensuring the show went on uninterrupted.

The night kicked off with electrifying sets from supporting artists, including Killer T’s high-energy performance that had the crowd buzzing early on, and Feli Nandi’s soulful contributions adding depth to the lineup.

Jah Prayzah made a grand entrance, captivating with his polished stagecraft and signature hits, but as the hours ticked towards midnight, impatience simmered among the audience.

Chants of “Baba” echoed through the arena, a clear call for Winky D, underscoring the dancehall star’s enduring pull despite his limited airplay on national radio.

When Winky D finally took the stage, the atmosphere ignited. His powerful delivery and relatable lyrics had fans singing along to every track, turning the concert into a communal catharsis.

Social media erupted post-event, with attendees hailing him as Zimbabwe’s greatest artist, while some playfully dubbed Jah Prayzah a “small boy” in comparison. Yet, amid the perceived rivalry, the duo’s interactions hinted at unity in a scene often marked by division, reminiscent of their joint appearance in 2023.

As fireworks lit the sky at midnight, the One Big Party wrapped up as a triumph of production value, from dazzling lights to seamless sound. It not only celebrated Zimbabwean culture but also set a benchmark for future collaborations, proving that music remains a powerful unifier in the nation.

The two fundis of their trade had finally shared the stage after a while, and it felt less like a concert and more like a cultural moment. The thousands who packed the venue came not just to hear music, but to witness history.

Two giants, two very different artistic spirits, one stage. The crowd did not come divided. They came curious, excited, and ready to measure greatness in real time.

As the night unfolded, the contrast was impossible to miss. Jah Prayzah arrived with polished confidence, backed by a tight band, layered harmonies, and a performance that felt carefully choreographed yet deeply rooted in tradition.

Winky D followed with raw fire, gripping the microphone like a prophet with a message. Where one dazzled with finesse, the other ignited with urgency. The audience sang along to both, danced to both, and felt seen by both.

Based on the dynamics of that night, Winky D emerged as the defining highlight, even though the event itself ended without a “winner”.

Jah Prayzah delivered exactly what was expected of him: polish, control, musical richness, and a flawlessly executed set. His band was tight, his vocals steady, and his stagecraft elite. The crowd sang along, danced, and admired. It was a masterclass in professionalism.

But Winky D shifted the emotional centre of gravity of the night. When he took the stage, the atmosphere changed. Phones went up, voices grew louder, and the crowd’s energy turned from celebration to release. His set did not feel rehearsed for perfection; it felt urgent.

Songs carried meaning beyond entertainment. Lines landed like lived experience. The audience was not just watching, they were responding, chanting, testifying. Jah Prayzah owned the stage technically. Winky D owned the moment spiritually and emotionally.

So while both proved their kingship, the night’s emotional peak, the moment people will retell, belonged to Winky D.

Inevitably, that shared performance reignited an old debate that has followed Zimbabwean music for years. Who is really better? It is the ultimate showdown, the battle of the hits, the clash of charisma.

On one side stands Winky D, the undisputed king of conscious dancehall. On the other is Jah Prayzah, the maestro of Afro-fusion and cultural swagger.

Winky D, born Wallace Chirumiko, is not just an artist. He is a movement. From the gritty streets of Harare to sold-out arenas, he has built a reputation for speaking truth to power. His songs are loaded with messages about social injustice, youth struggles, and political corruption.

Tracks like Ibotso and Ngirozi are more than music; they are anthems for a generation that refuses to be silenced. He mixes metaphor, humour, and storytelling in a way that makes his music feel alive, relevant, and raw.

Born Mukudzeyi Mukombe, Jah Prayzah is a different kind of force. He is the artist who can make you cry, dance, and feel proud of your heritage all at once. His music blends traditional Zimbabwean rhythms, particularly the mbira, with modern Afro-pop, giving his sound a unique global edge.

Collaborations with African superstars like Davido, Diamond Platnumz, and Yemi Alade have pushed his music far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Albums such as Mdhara Vachauya and Gwara showcase an artist who turns cultural pride into international appeal.

The audiences they attract also say a lot about their impact. Winky D commands fierce loyalty among young people, street communities, and those who see their own struggles reflected in his lyrics.

Jah Prayzah appeals to a broader demographic. His music is family-friendly, radio-ready, and globally accessible, uniting listeners across age groups while projecting Zimbabwean culture onto the continental stage.

Lyrically, Winky D is unmatched in his boldness. He challenges authority, questions society, and holds a mirror to the nation. Jah Prayzah leans towards storytelling and inspiration, weaving tales of love, culture, and identity.

One is a rebel, the other a cultural ambassador. Fans of Winky D feel empowered. Fans of Jah Prayzah feel connected.

Ultimately, choosing between Winky D and Jah Prayzah comes down to what you value in music.

If you want raw, socially conscious, and fearless, Winky D is the one. If you want melodic, culturally rich, and internationally resonant, Jah Prayzah is the answer. Zimbabwe is fortunate to have both.

So who is better? That depends on whether you are dancing to the beat of the streets or moving to the pulse of Zimbabwean pride. Either way, the music is undeniable.