Winky D speaks out

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Reggae/dancehall singer Winky D says artistes should not limit themselves to one genre but make music that relates to people. Speaking in a recent interview with Star FM’s Breakfast Club host Comfort Mbofana, the “Mafirakureva” singer also dismissed reports that he’s gone commercial saying his heart was still with the ghetto youths.

“Winky D is still ghetto. I have always been a devotee for ghetto youths. but it’s just that I believe only companies are limited. If you look at artistes like Capleton they (sing) hardcore dancehall but Sean Paul is making music that appeals to a wider audience,” he said.

Asked what he means when he says “Ninja”, Winky D said the word refers to the people that persevere.
“You should not take it literally, it’s not the ninjas from American movies or Japanese but a word which I use to describe the people who don’t give up,” he said.

Winky D, whose real name is Wallace Chirimuko, denied being romantically involved with dancehall singer Tendazvaiitwa “Lipsy” Chitimbe.

“We are not dating; it’s just pure business,” he said with patois accent.
Winky D started off as a dancehall DJ who used to battle with other DJs. Then he used to be called Wicked DJ but later changed to Winky D.

Turning to his new hit “Mafirakureva”, Winky D said he knew before its release that it would ruffle some feathers.
“I believe the truth had to be told and from the outset I knew it would get mixed feelings. I had to bring something positive,” he said.

The song lambasts ghetto youths who abuse drugs, alcohol and other substances. Asked if he had “beef” with any musicians, Winky D said with tongue firmly stuck in cheek since he was a Rastafarian it’s been 10 years since he last had “beef”.

“The problem is there are a lot of musicians who are coming up and they take fame into their heads. They release a song and when they see feedback on social media like Facebook they think they have made it. Facebook misleads artistes into thinking that they are big. I am an entertainer,” he said.

He, however urged Zimbabwean dancehall musicians to be original rather than being copycats of Jamaicans as well as appreciate their own talent.