Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
MUSIC promoter Nyasha Marufu has called for fans to celebrate the genius of Jah Prayzah and Winky D without creating divisions between the two superstars.
The two giants are set to perform together on New Year’s Eve at the Hockey Stadium in Harare.
Marufu said the rivalry between the two sets of fans of the two superstars has become unnecessary and damaging to the growth of Zimbabwean music.
“In Zimbabwe, we argue about Jah Prayzah and Winky D instead of pushing both to the world stage,” he said.
“For some reason, some people believe we must pick sides.”
Marufu, who has worked with a wide range of Zimbabwe’s top artists, expressed frustration at what he termed a lack of “fan maturity” on the local music scene.
“Some people work overtime to create conflict where none exists,” he said.
“I personally support both, fully and respectfully. Greatness is not a competition … it’s a category. And both of these men sit in it.”
He believes the two artists have a distinct sound, history and influence and they are not rivals but pillars of Zimbabwean music culture.
“Two legends. Two lanes. Two legacies, building and shaping the Zimbabwean music industry in two completely different but powerful ways,” he said.Marufu said the friction has often been seen online and it has nothing to do with the artists and more to do with fan behaviour.
“Some people don’t love music … they love drama,” he said.
“They follow artists the way others follow football matches: to fight, not to appreciate talent.”
He said Zimbabwe was big enough to celebrate both musicians without pitting them against each other.
“Winky D doesn’t prevent Jah Prayzah from shining. Jah Prayzah doesn’t block Winky D’s success. Zimbabwe is not too small to celebrate two giants at once.”
According to Marufu, fan rivalry is rooted in a “scarcity mentality” the belief that only one artist can win at any given moment.
“What divides the fans isn’t music… it’s mindset,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the world’s biggest industries stand because multiple superstars are allowed to co-exist.
“Zimbabwe should be no different.”
He added that equating support for one artist with hostility towards another shows a misunderstanding of what real loyalty means.
“If you think supporting Winky means hating JP, that’s not loyalty to either of them… that’s limited thinking,” he said.
“If you think praising Jah Prayzah means disrespecting Winky D… that’s poor reasoning at its best.”
Marufu expressed disappointment at how some fans turn artistic excellence into rivalry.
“You think you’re defending your favourite artist when you’re actually exposing your lack of perspective,” said. “Both Winky and JP are national assets.”The promoter urged fans to celebrate the two artists for their contributions rather than tear them down through comparisons.
“The worst thing we can do as a nation is turning artistic excellence into a battlefield,” he said.
“If you truly love your favourite artist, support them without trying to destroy another.”
With one of the biggest events of the year on the horizon, Marufu hopes the country will step into 2026 with a renewed spirit of appreciation.
“Two kings can rule one kingdom when their crowns are earned,” he said.
“The music is bigger than the arguments.”
