Is Winky D still a fugitive in Zimbabwe? Here are the details
Winky D, full name Wallace Chirumiko, is a multi-award-winning reggae and dancehall artist from Zimbabwe. He is known for songs like Musarove Bigman, Kasong KeJecha, Disappear, and Panorwadza. The singer is one of the most accomplished artists in Zimbabwe, but his influential status has landed him in trouble with several top government officials.
Source: UGC
Winky D's interest in music started when he was eight and would collect reggae vinyl and audio tapes. Most of his songs address social injustice and corruption within the Zimbabwean administration, which has a reputation for stifling freedom of expression. The star has worked with several top artists, including Gemma Griffiths and Oliver Mtukudzi.
Winky D's profile and bio summary
| Real name | Wallace Chirumiko |
| Other names | Ninja President, Di Bigman, Dancehall Igwe, ChiExtraterrestial |
| Date of birth | 1st February 1983 |
| Age | 40 years in 2023 |
| Birth sign | Aquarius |
| Place of birth | Kambuzuma, Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Current residence | Zimbabwe |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Gender | Male |
| Orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | Married |
| Wife | Not known |
| Children | Daughter Taenda |
| Siblings | Brother Trevor Chirumiko |
| Alma mater | Rukudzo Primary School, Kambuzuma High School |
| Profession | Dancehall-reggae artist |
| Years active | 2004 to date |
| Music streaming platforms | YouTubeApple MusicSpotifyDeezer |
| Net worth | Approximately $1 million in 2023 |
| Social media | TwitterInstagramFacebook |
How old is Winky D?
He was born on 1st February 1983 in the Kambuzuma suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe. Winky D's age is 40 years in 2023, and his zodiac sign is Aquarius. The singer has a younger brother, Trevor Chirumiko, whose stage name is Layaan Soulja. Trevor is a television and radio presenter and producer.
Is Winky D married?
The celebrated dancehall artist is married but has kept details of his wife away from the public. He has a child called Taenda, who he occasionally mentions in his songs.
Source: UGC
What does Winky D do for a living?
Wallace's talent was first recognized when he started participating in Getto Lane Clashes as a teenager. Bartholomew Vera of Backlab Studios helped him record his first songs. His first stage name was Wicked DeeJay before he shortened it to Winky D.
Wallace's music had explicit lyrics on promiscuity and gangsterism early in his career. He transitioned to motivational and Gospel music in 2013. He often advocates against drug addiction, calls out social vices like corruption, and encourages male circumcision to reduce the spread of HIV through his lyrics.
Winky D albums and songs
The singer has released 12 studio albums and extended playlists, including;
| Project | Year |
| Eureka Eureka | 2023 |
| Ragga Msambo | 2020 |
| Njema | 2019 |
| Gombwe: Chiextra | 2018 |
| Gafa Futi | 2016 |
| Gafa Life Kickstape | 2015 |
| Life Yangu | 2012 |
| PaKitchen | 2011 |
| Twenty-Eleven Singles Compilation | 2011 |
| Igofigo the Unthinkable | 2010 |
Some of the top Winky D songs include Rasta, Head Inna War, Ijipita, Musarove Bigman, MurGaden, Shaker, Ngirozi, Disappear, Kasong KeJecha, Gafa Party, iBotso, Twenty-Five, Dzimba Dzemabwe, and Panorwadza Moyo.
What international awards did Winky D win?
The Disappear hitmaker has won two African Dancehall Artist of the Year awards from the 39th and 40th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in Jamaica. He also has numerous local awards, including;
- NAMA 2016 Best Song of the Year for Disappear
- Zimdancehall Awards 2016 Song of the Year for Disappear
- People's Choice Award at NAMA 2010
- Five awards at the 2013 Zimdancehall Awards and four at the 2015 Zimdancehall Awards
How much does Winky D charge?
Winky D's booking fees vary with market activity, location, and date. For the official pricing, you have to contact his agent. Tickets to his concerts range from $50 to over $1000, depending on the event and seat location.
Source: UGC
Winky D's net worth
The Zimdancehall artist has an estimated net worth of $1 million in 2023. Apart from music, Wallace makes money from endorsement deals with companies like Lager Beer, Eco-Cash, Coca-Cola, and G Tel.
Winky D's latest news
Wallace has not been on good terms with Zimbabwe's ruling party Zanu-PF because of his socially and politically conscious music. In December 2018, he was forced to cancel his show at Kwekwe's Solomon Lifestyle Café after unidentified people attacked him during his performance. The attack came after the release of his songs, Parliament and Kasong-KeJecha.
Following the release of his album Eureka Eureka in January 2023, the Zanu-PF-affiliated Economic Empowerment Group demanded that his songs be banned on all local radio stations. It also led to him being shunned from local awards ceremonies and the country's riot police disrupting his shows.
The Eureka Eureka album has songs like iBotso and Dzimba Dzemabwe that call out corrupt government officials. In March 2023, Winky D's Chitungwiza concert was shut down by the Zimbabwean police when he started singing iBotso.
Despite being banned locally, Winky D continues to make international waves. In May 2023, he was named the Best African Dancehall Entertainer at Jamaica's 40th International Reggae and World Music Awards.
Source: UGC
Winky D is highly regarded as one of Africa's best entertainers. He is among the pioneers of the dancehall genre in Zimbabwe and has become a voice for Zimbabweans.
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