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Moffat Mungazi
Weekender Reporter
ONE of reggae-dancehall kingpin, Winky D’s smash hits, “Takaipa-Takaipa” aptly encapsulates how the gifted composer and lyricist is wicked in a virtuous way.
As suggested by the track’s title, the seasoned artiste blows his own trumpet and brags about how “wicked” he is behind the microphone.
In street lingo, if someone is “wicked” at what they do, it means they are majestically splendid.
That is just what Winky D does and it is hardly surprising that the artiste — born Wallace Chirumiko — called himself Wicked DJ as he took the toddler steps in the formative years of his career as a disc jockey before becoming a musician and shooting to prominence.
“Takaipa-takaipa; takaipa-takaipa; Bvunza vakangavariko kuHifa; Takangatiri pahasha; mumwe munhu aifa . . .” goes the second part of the aforementioned plug track’s chorus.
Those who attended the 2022 Manicaland Agricultural Show last week on Saturday can testify that the “Sando Dzangu” singer brought his A-game when he performed before an appreciative crowd on the main day of the exhibition fête.
As the headline act, Winky D did not disappoint.
The ecstatic multitudes erupted into euphoria when he took to the stage.
Warming up to his moving delivery, the scores of people in the terraces drifted along with the flawless flow of his sublime performance by seamlessly singing along.
From his infinite discography to the hits, the Vigilance Band frontman only picked the choice selections.
While the insanely popular “Mugarden” was well-received by the audience, the frenzy was heightened when he played his other hits, including “Bhebhi raMwari”, “Bhoo-o Yangu”, “Disappear”, “Twenty-Five”, “Hatiperekedzane”, “Daddy” and “Mangerengere”, among others.
His set was made more impressive by the fact that his band played live instruments, unlike other artistes who usually lip-sync over backtracks.
In the end, Winky D dished out something for everyone — from the lovebirds to the young and old as well as the party animals.
His following enjoyed eating from his palm.
“They do not call him the Gaffa for nothing, Winky D is the real deal. He has always shown great artistry with his lyrics and his stagecraft is on point. I thoroughly enjoyed his performance. I actually paid my way into the showground just to watch him perform. As an aspiring Zim-dancehall chanter, I look up to him as a role model. He inspires me a lot and I aspire to emulate him,” said Tawanda “Uncle” Mutimhodyo of Sakubva.
Stellia Chatambudza was also impressed by how the “Happy Again” singer went about business.
She said: “He is good at what he does. Now I understand why my son is so much hooked into his music. The message in some of his tracks is so profound that one can easily relate to it. I particularly enjoyed the songs ‘Mangerengere’, ‘Daddy’ and ‘Hatiperekedzane.’ I think what he sings about has helped set him apart from some others who do similar music but is laced with violence, profanity or vulgarity.”
Speaking through his long-serving manager, Jonathan “Mwalimu” Banda, Winky D said creativity and consistency have kept him on top of the game.
“My music should have positive impact on people’s lives. I am not in competition with anyone, but always thriving to set high standards for myself. The music has to continue living long after us,” said Winky D.
Online Reporter