Winky D
Winky D at the Africa Unplugged concert, Wembley Arena 2012, in London
Winky D at the Africa Unplugged concert, Wembley Arena 2012, in London
Background information
GenresDancehall, Reggae, Zimdancehall
Occupation(s)Musician
Years active2004–present
LabelsBlack Lab Records, Vigilance Music, Independent (current)
Websitehttp://www.winkydonline.com

Winky D is a Zimbabwean reggae-dancehall artist popularly known as "The Big Man" (stylized as "Di Bigman"). Winky D is often considered the Zimdancehall pioneer and one of the most accomplished modern Zimbabwean music artists. His music provides social commentary about Zimbabwean society. [1]

Winky D was among the artists featured in the Southern Africa Music Airwaves (SAMA) Festival 2009.[2][3] He has released nine studio albums.

Early life and career

As a young teenager, Winky D began showcasing his music at various small-scale events and concerts. At the age of 16, he participated in the Getto Lane Clashes, a series of DJ battles designed to showcase up-and-coming artists in the field. Over time, he earned the nickname 'Wicked DeeJay', which was eventually shortened to Winky D. In more recent years, Winky D has shifted his focus to gospel music, and has also been an advocate against drug addiction.[4]

Music career

Winky D has since released eleven albums. This was followed by tours in United Kingdom, US, Asia, and South Africa.

WInky D has been pushing the male population to get circumcised,[5]. As a call to action for his fans Winky D and Albert Nyoni (Vanyoni Beats) released a track entitled "If you know you are a champion get circumcised". The song was launched in Harare on 19 January 2012.[6]

Winky D failed to perform at President Robert Mugabe's inauguration gala held in August 2013 at the National Sports Stadium. There were contrasting statements about the musician's whereabouts during the event.[7]

In 2023, Winky D launched his studio album Eureka Eureka. Some songs from the album, especially "Ibotso" and "Dzimba Dzemabwe", provide commentary on social ills in Zimbabwean society, in particular corruption and the struggles faced by young people.[8] In response, a pressure group affiliated with the ruling party ZANU–PF called for Winky D's music to be banned in Zimbabwe.[9][10] In March 2023, the Zimbabwe Republic Police shut down a Winky D concert in Chitungwiza just as he began to sing the song "Ibotso" [11] leading to widespread condemnation. [12]

Feuds

Winky D had 'beefs' with then popular dancehall artists such as Badman and Daddy D. They battled back and forth lyrically, from which he emerged as a victor en route to become the most popular Zim-dancehall act.

Winky D, alongside The General and Sniper Storm, were scheduled to perform as opening acts for Mavado.[13]

Winky D called for peace among the zim-dancehall artists through his songs and interviews.[14]

Partial discography

Awards

See also

References

  1. ↑ Khan, Khatija (February 2021). "Censorship and the Cultural Ambiguities of Singing against Authoritarianism in Zimbabwe: The Case of Winky D's Popular Music". Acta Iassyensia Comparationis.
  2. ↑ "Thomas Mapfumo to perform in UK". 15 July 2009. Archived from the original on 15 July 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. ↑ "SAMA festival set for the UK". 21 August 2009. Archived from the original on 21 August 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. ↑ "Winky D Biography: Age, Children, Siblings, Albums". Pindula.co.zw. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  5. ↑ "ZIM embarks on pilot Male Circumcision exercise" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  6. ↑ Mungwadzi, Godwin. "Tuku's phone call to Winky D, "Bigiman Pindai Norton!"". Greedysouth.co.zw. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  7. ↑ "Winky D in no-show dilemma". Newsday.co.zw. 28 August 2013.
  8. ↑ Denhere, Blessing Taona (10 January 2023). "Politics of the Rhythm: Unpacking Winky D's Eureka Eureka album". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  9. ↑ "Zanu-PF pressure group wants Winky D music banned in Zimbabwe". Nehanda Radio. 4 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  10. ↑ Gonye, Vanessa. "Zanu PF shadowy group wants Winky D music banned". NewsDay. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  11. ↑ "Police shut down Winky D's performance in Chitungwiza". Zimbabwe News Now. 5 March 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  12. ↑ https://www.newzimbabwe.com/https-www-newzimbabwe-com-fans-stand-with-winky-d-call-out-police-zanu-pf-over-chitungwiza-show-shutdown/
  13. ↑ "Finally Mavado to Perform in Zimbabwe, Charges Reduced". Archived from the original on 15 February 2012.
  14. ↑ "Winky D discusses Dancehall Beef, Royalty and Igo Figo – the new mixtape – Greedysouth – Zimbabwe Online Magazine for Music, Fashion, Design, Culture and The Arts". Greedysouth.co.zw.
  15. ↑ "BlackLab Records – Catalogue". 3 February 2007. Archived from the original on 3 February 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  16. ↑ "BlackLab Records - Zimbabwe's Hottest Reggae, Dancehall, Urban Music Record Label". Blacklabrecords.com. Archived from the original on 3 September 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2010.
  17. ↑ "Winkydonline.com". Winkydonline.com. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  18. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Pakitchen by Winky D". Itunes.apple.com.
  19. ↑ "Download Pakitchen by Winky D - eMusic". Emusic.com.
  20. ↑ "Winkydonline.com". Winkydonline.com. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  21. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Gafa life by Winky D". Itunes.apple.com.
  22. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Gafa Futi by Winky D". Itunes.apple.com.
  23. ↑ "Gombwe: Chiextra by Winky D". Itunes.apple.com. 7 February 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  24. ↑ "WINKY D _ Njema Album Songs list". Bustop.tv. 26 December 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  25. ↑ "Winky D Wins Continental Award" 263Chat (16 January 2023). https://www.263chat.com/winky-d-wins-continental-award/. 263Chat
  26. ↑
  27. ↑ Ncube, Audrey L (13 January 2021). "Zimdancehall Artist Winky D Bags An International Award". iHarare.
  28. ↑ Antonio, Winstone (18 May 2021). "Winky d bags another globa gong". Newsday.
  29. ↑ "Zimdancehall Awards 2020: All the winners". Musicinafrica.net. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
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