Diamond-Encrusted Portrait of Wicknell Chivayo Goes Viral Weeks After His Death
- A video circulating online showed a large diamond-encrusted portrait of the late Zimbabwean billionaire Wicknell Chivayo
- Chivayo, who was known for his jaw-dropping generosity and lavish lifestyle, died weeks prior alongside his wife, Lucy
- The portrait is the latest in a series of tribute artworks that have emerged since Sir Wicknell and Lucy were laid to rest
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Source: Instagram
Nearly a week after his passing, Wicknell Chivayo continues to command attention on social media. A video now making the rounds on social media on 26 October 2026 shows a large framed portrait of the late Zimbabwean billionaire, his face covered in what appears to be sparkling diamonds, displayed on a wall inside an upscale home.
The piece has captured the imagination of fans who say it reflects exactly the kind of man Sir Wicknell was in life.
A life lived in the spotlight
Chivayo died on 30 September at 43 years old when the private helicopter he was travelling in came down in the Marondera Rural area, roughly 70 kilometres east of Harare.
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His wife Lucy Muteke and four others were also on board. Police confirmed no survivors among the six passengers. The group had been returning to Harare from Chivayo's rural homestead in Gandami, Chikomba district, when deteriorating weather and poor visibility allegedly caused the crash. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths, and Sir Wicknell and Lucy were laid to rest in Harare on 8 October.
Source: Instagram
During his lifetime, the businessman cultivated a social media presence that was impossible to ignore, complete with high-end designer clothing and luxury vehicles. Just months before his death, in July, he visited Jacob and Co.'s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, spending approximately $4.3 million (R71.5 million) on luxury watches in a single visit.
He also became famous for gifting more than 300 luxury cars worth an estimated $47 million (approximately R782 million) over the course of his life, including a Rolls-Royce he gave to a friend.
In 2024, he donated R18 million to the Zimbabwe Christian Church to uplift its members, cementing his reputation as one of the most generous figures in the country.
Tribute art continues to emerge
It remains unclear whose home displays the diamond portrait, though fans have noted it feels entirely in keeping with the man it honours. The piece joins a growing wave of tribute artworks that have appeared since his burial, among them a painting by South African artist Rasta The Artist, who was present around the time of the funeral. The diamond portrait carries a particular resonance, capturing Sir Wicknell in a form as extravagant as the life he led.
See the portrait below.
Wicknell Chivayo's custom Rolls-Royce arrives
In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to a video of Wicknell Chivayo's custom Rolls-Royce being delivered.
The luxury vehicle arrived nearly a month after the businessman's tragic death, sparking a mixture of feelings on social media.
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Source: Briefly News
